Harare – Two disturbing cases of sexual assault have come to light in Harare, highlighting the vulnerability of women and girls in the city. In the first incident, a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner was reportedly raped by a tout in a parked kombi at the Rezende Parkade rank. In a separate case, a 41-year-old man from Manyame was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating his domestic worker’s daughter, although the matter was later withdrawn before plea.
Grade 7 Learner Raped at Rezende Rank
The harrowing incident involving the Grade 7 learner occurred after she was initially harassed by touts at the Rezende Parkade rank. According to reports, the girl was attempting to board a commuter omnibus to return home after collecting money at the corner of Leopold Takawira and Jason Moyo.
However, the touts allegedly began blocking her way, preventing her from entering a particular vehicle. It was then that one of the touts approached her, pretending to be a “good Samaritan” offering assistance.
The tout reportedly led her to a parked, white Toyota Hiace kombi nearby. Once inside, he locked the doors and raped her once without protection. After the appalling act, the tout disappeared, leaving the traumatised learner inside the vehicle.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case and appealed for information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. “Police are investigating a rape case involving a Grade 7 learner at a rank along Rezende Street in the CBD,” Insp Chakanza stated.
Insp Chakanza detailed the circumstances leading to the assault: “Circumstances were that the complainant left home proceeding to town where she was supposed to collect her money at corner Leopold Takawira and Jason Moyo. Upon arrival, the complainant was given cash and she immediately left stating that she wanted to go back home to finish her homework. On her way back home, she proceeded at Rezende Parkade rank to get a commuter omnibus back home. Whilst at the rank, the touts started blocking her way, obstructing her from entering a certain vehicle. She was approached by the accused person, who purported that he wanted to help her. He ordered her into a parked, white Toyota Hiace where he locked and raped her.”
The matter only came to light when the complainant’s uncle visited her school to inquire about her late return home. “The complainant later went home, where she did not tell anyone about the matter. The matter came to light when the complainant’s uncle went to her school to enquire why she returned home late,” Insp Chakanza explained.
“The complainant was interviewed by her teacher and that is when she revealed the rape. She was referred to Adult Rape Clinic Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical examination,” Insp Chakanza added.
Zimondi Accused of Raping Domestic Worker’s Daughter
In a separate and equally disturbing case, Everson Zimondi, a 41-year-old man from Manyame, was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating his domestic worker’s 23-year-old daughter. However, the matter was withdrawn before plea.
According to reports, Zimondi had been targeting the victim whenever she visited her mother, who was employed as his domestic worker. On one occasion in February, the woman visited her mother and found Zimondi taking a bath. Her mother was not at home at the time.
After finishing his bath, Zimondi allegedly asked the victim to retrieve his clothes from his bedroom. He then followed her into the bedroom, removed his morning gown, and raped her once without protection. The victim did not inform her mother or anyone else about the assault at the time.
On a separate occasion, Zimondi reportedly offered the victim a ride to the city centre after she visited her mother. However, instead of taking her to her destination, Zimondi stopped at a lodge and booked a room for them to have drinks. While they were having drinks, he allegedly raped her once without protection.
The victim only discovered that she was pregnant last Friday after conducting a pregnancy test. This led to Zimondi’s arrest.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the arrest. “Police arrested a man for raping his domestic worker’s daughter,” Insp Chakanza stated.
“The complainant was referred to Harare Hospital for medical examinations. Investigations were done, the accused person was taken to Harare Magistrate Court on Monday and the complainant withdrew the case before plea,” said Insp Chakanza.
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