SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO- Two Mashava friends who ganged up and took turns to rape a 20-year -old woman before striking her with an empty bottle were each sentenced to an effective 21 years in jail.
Denford Makusha (30) and Blessed Nzviyo (26) both from Headman Madyangove in Chivi, pleaded not guilty but were convicted by Masvingo Magistrate Innocent Bepura after a full trial.
The incident occurred sometime in October last year when the complainant was on her way from Balman Spar in Lenox Mine, Mashava.
In his ruling, Bepura condemned the offenders’ conduct, saying their actions left the victim traumatised.
According to court proceedings, on 19 October, 2024 at around 2300hrs, the complainant was on her way home when she met the two accused persons.
The two struck her with an empty bottle on the head and she fell to the ground.
They dragged her into a bushy area where they instructed her to remove her undergarments and she complied in fear of being assaulted again.
The two took turns to have unprotected sexual intercourse with the complainant without her consent.
After the incident, they went away leaving the complainant behind.
She reported the matter at ZRP Mashava where she was referred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for medical examinations. The two were arrested after a police search.
