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By Priscilla Mafa
A 23-year-old man from a village under Chief Matevaidze in Mberengwa has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of rape.
Nkululeko Moyo was sentenced at the Zvishavane Regional Magistrates Court following his conviction for sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman on two separate occasions during the same incident.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), the incident occurred on 19 May 2025 at around 3am.
The court heard that the victim, who was a sex worker, had entered into a commercial agreement with Moyo to accompany him to his residence for the night.
However, while they were on their way, the situation reportedly turned violent.
The NPA said Moyo broke an empty beer bottle and aggressively demanded money from the victim.
When the woman told him that she did not have any money, Moyo dragged her into a nearby bush, where he forced her to undress and raped her.
The court heard that after the first assault, Moyo ordered the victim to put her clothes back on and accompany him as they continued walking along the path.
After walking for approximately 100 metres, Moyo allegedly forced the woman to undress again, ordered her to lie on the ground and raped her for a second time.
Following the second assault, the accused ordered the victim to dress and continue walking with him.
The two were walking along the path when they heard voices approaching from behind.
The NPA said the sound of people approaching prompted Moyo to flee from the scene, leaving the victim behind.
The victim subsequently reported the matter at the local police station.
She was referred to Mberengwa Hospital for medical examination as police investigations into the allegations commenced.
The investigations led to Moyo’s arrest and his subsequent prosecution before the Zvishavane Regional Magistrates Court.
After considering the evidence presented before it, the court convicted Moyo on two counts of rape and sentenced him to an effective 17 years imprisonment.
The case highlights the serious consequences of sexual violence and the criminal liability faced by individuals who use force, threats or intimidation to sexually assault another person.
The National Prosecuting Authority strongly condemned acts of sexual violence and gender-based violence, emphasising that perpetrators will face prosecution.
The NPA said: “Perpetrators who use force and intimidation will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The authority also urged members of the public to report cases of sexual abuse to the police and other relevant authorities to ensure that survivors can access justice and support.
Nkululeko Moyo was sentenced at the Zvishavane Regional Magistrates Court following his conviction for sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman on two separate occasions during the same incident.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), the incident occurred on 19 May 2025 at around 3am.
The court heard that the victim, who was a sex worker, had entered into a commercial agreement with Moyo to accompany him to his residence for the night.
However, while they were on their way, the situation reportedly turned violent.
The NPA said Moyo broke an empty beer bottle and aggressively demanded money from the victim.
When the woman told him that she did not have any money, Moyo dragged her into a nearby bush, where he forced her to undress and raped her.
The court heard that after the first assault, Moyo ordered the victim to put her clothes back on and accompany him as they continued walking along the path.
After walking for approximately 100 metres, Moyo allegedly forced the woman to undress again, ordered her to lie on the ground and raped her for a second time.
Following the second assault, the accused ordered the victim to dress and continue walking with him.
The two were walking along the path when they heard voices approaching from behind.
The NPA said the sound of people approaching prompted Moyo to flee from the scene, leaving the victim behind.
The victim subsequently reported the matter at the local police station.
She was referred to Mberengwa Hospital for medical examination as police investigations into the allegations commenced.
The investigations led to Moyo’s arrest and his subsequent prosecution before the Zvishavane Regional Magistrates Court.
After considering the evidence presented before it, the court convicted Moyo on two counts of rape and sentenced him to an effective 17 years imprisonment.
The case highlights the serious consequences of sexual violence and the criminal liability faced by individuals who use force, threats or intimidation to sexually assault another person.
The National Prosecuting Authority strongly condemned acts of sexual violence and gender-based violence, emphasising that perpetrators will face prosecution.
The NPA said: “Perpetrators who use force and intimidation will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The authority also urged members of the public to report cases of sexual abuse to the police and other relevant authorities to ensure that survivors can access justice and support.
Published
August 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
