A chilling incident unfolded near the Kuwadzana turn-off along the Harare-Bulawayo highway, leaving a 33-year-old Kuwadzana man traumatised after he was forced to witness his lover being violated by armed robbers. The disturbing event occurred on Monday night, highlighting the dangers faced by motorists, particularly after dark.
Richard Maravanyika, whose age is 33, was in the company of his 21-year-old lover when their vehicle experienced a mechanical fault at approximately 11pm. Forced to pull off the road, they parked near the Kuwadzana turn-off, unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
As they waited for assistance, two men emerged from the surrounding bush, approaching Maravanyika and his companion. Without warning, one of the men struck Maravanyika on the head with a metal bar, causing him to fall to the ground, incapacitated.
The robbers then proceeded to tie Maravanyika’s hands together using a testimeter cable, further immobilising him. They then used his own t-shirt to tie his legs, ensuring he could not intervene in what was to follow.
After the unspeakable act, the robbers ransacked Maravanyika’s belongings, stealing his money and cellphone. They also stole his lover’s cellphone, further compounding the trauma and loss.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case, stating: “Police are investigating a rape and robbery cases that took place at the Kuwadzana turn-off along Bulawayo Road.” The police have launched an investigation into the incident, but the perpetrators remain at large.
This appalling crime serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals in isolated locations and the ever-present threat of armed robbery and sexual assault. It also underscores the need for increased security measures along highways and at known crime hotspots.
The incident at the Kuwadzana turn-off is not an isolated case, as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with a range of criminal activities. Just recently, another disturbing case came to light, highlighting the depravity of some criminals.
In a separate incident, Patrick Vashco (25) from Gereendale, was sentenced to a lengthy 45-year jail term after being found guilty of raping a maid three times without protection. Vashco, masquerading as a police officer, lured his victim under false pretences before subjecting her to the horrific ordeal.
Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo told the court that on April 10, the complainant was sent by her employer to collect a parcel at Glendale terminus. The maid was given the employer’s mobile phone for easy communication.
She, however, lost the mobile phone while at the rank and started wailing in vain. Vashco impersonated a police officer and told her to accompany him to a police station to record her statement and she agreed.
On their way, he dragged the maid to a nearby bush and raped her once without protection. The convict assaulted the complainant and threatened to kill her before force marching her to a nearby bush along Shamva – Harare highway where he raped her twice.
He then took her to a bar for a beer, and the complainant took advantage of his drunken state to inform other patrons, leading to his arrest.
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