NYAMAPANDA – A wave of revulsion has swept through Nyamapanda, Mashonaland East Province, following the horrific rape of a 94-year-old woman in her home on April 20, 2025. Police have launched a manhunt for two unidentified men believed to be responsible for the heinous crime.
According to Deputy Police spokesperson for Mashonaland East Province, Assistant Inspector Misheck Denhere, the elderly victim was sleeping alone when the attack occurred during the night. The woman had secured her door with a stick before retiring to bed, unaware of the nightmare that awaited her.
Shortly after she fell asleep, two men forcibly entered her home. The first suspect gained entry and raped her while the second remained outside. After the initial assault, the second suspect entered the house, strangled the victim, and also raped her before both men fled the scene into the night.
Despite her ordeal, the courageous victim managed to inform her son, who promptly reported the incident to ZRP Nyamapanda. Police responded swiftly to the scene, but the suspects remain at large. Investigations are currently ongoing, with authorities determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Asst Insp Denhere condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, stating, “This is a shameful incident that goes against our morals and cultural values.” He appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators, emphasising the critical need to protect vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those living with disabilities.
The assault has sparked widespread anger and fear within the community, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of elderly citizens living alone. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
Unconfirmed Reports of Similar Attacks in Hwedza
Adding to the growing unease, unconfirmed reports suggest that approximately four women in Hwedza have been attacked and raped by an unidentified assailant who targets those living alone during night time. Authorities have raised a red flag over these troubling reports, although police have yet to officially confirm the incidents.
Rogue Father Jailed for 30 Years for Raping Daughter
In a separate but equally disturbing case, REGIONAL Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi has sentenced a father to 30 years in prison for the repeated rape of his biological daughter. The sentence serves as a stark reminder that the courts will not tolerate such heinous crimes and will act decisively to protect vulnerable members of society.
Magistrate Rwodzi stated that overwhelming evidence had proven the man’s guilt, emphasising that a father’s duty is to protect his children, not violate them.
“The courts exist to safeguard minors and all vulnerable groups in society. A clear message must be sent that crime does not pay,” said Rwodzi.
The accused was handed 15 years for the first two counts and another 15 years for the other two, resulting in an effective 30-year imprisonment.
Prosecutor Loveit Muringwa proved that in April last year, the father returned home at Rainham Farm, Nyabira, Mashonaland West province and found his daughter seated on the floor.
He accused her of having an affair with her aunt’s husband while she stayed with them in Masvingo from Grade One to Seven.
After shouting at her, he lifted her onto a bed and raped her.
The court heard that in May, he raped her again, gave her pills, and warned her against speaking out. He repeated the assault in November, again providing morning-after pills to prevent pregnancy.
The victim confided in her mother the following day, but the mother initially dismissed the claims.
On March 16, 2025, the girl was raped once more at their home. She later followed her mother to an onion field, where she tearfully recounted the ordeal.
In a court affidavit, the mother admitted she had not reported the earlier incidents due to her husband’s threats.
“I was afraid of the threats, so I took no action. But on 16 March, around 4pm my daughter came to me crying that her father had raped her again. Disturbed, I called neighbours, who helped apprehend him.”
The matter was then reported to the police, leading to the father’s arrest and subsequent conviction.
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