Harare residents, particularly those within the kombi transport sector, are breathing a collective sigh of relief following the apprehension of Givemore Mutape, a tout accused of the horrific rape of a Grade 7 pupil in a kombi parked at the Rezende Street rank in Harare’s bustling Central Business District (CBD). The arrest comes after weeks of heightened tension between kombi drivers, conductors, touts, and law enforcement in the wake of the appalling incident.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Mutape’s arrest, stating: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police has apprehended a suspect in connection with the rape case that occurred at Rezende Parkade Rank on July 19, 2025. The victim was alone and was approached by touts and, in her moment of vulnerability, she was attacked.”
Mutape, who hails from Whitecliff, appeared before a Harare magistrate two days ago facing rape charges. He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court, having been on the run since the police launched their manhunt in July.
The incident occurred when the 13-year-old Marlborough Primary School learner was attempting to find transport home after collecting money at the corner of Leopold Takawira and Jason Moyo. According to reports, the girl was accosted by several touts at the Rezende Street rank, who allegedly began blocking her path and preventing her from boarding a particular vehicle.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, detailed the circumstances: “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.”
In a desperate attempt to escape the harassment, the young girl sought refuge inside an empty kombi. It was there that Mutape allegedly followed her, locking the doors and committing the heinous act of rape. After the assault, he fled the scene, leaving the traumatised learner alone in the vehicle.
Mutape’s arrest came after a tip-off when he returned to the Rezende Street rank, where he was known to operate.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and has brought the issue of safety and security at Harare’s transport hubs into sharp focus. The vulnerability of women and girls in the city, particularly at these ranks, has been highlighted, prompting calls for increased security measures and greater vigilance.
One kombi driver, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed the relief felt by many in the transport industry: “We are relieved to hear about Givemore’s arrest, his actions tarnished our reputation. We do not condone sexual harassment in any form.”
The driver also noted that the incident had ignited a debate amongst transport operators regarding the use of tinted windows in kombis. “The issue about tinted windows was started by this incident and it sparked a debate among transport operators,” he said.
The assault only came to light when the complainant’s uncle visited her school to inquire about her late return home. Inspector Chakanza explained: “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. 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.”
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