Tarisai Sithole a police officer from Matapi Police Station in Mbare appeared in court yesterday, accused of raping and robbing a woman at a cemetery.
The 35-year-old Tarisai Sithole was charged with rape and robbery in front of Harare magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa. Sithole was given bail and is expected back on July 9 to be assigned a trial date.
The complainant had just gotten off a passenger omnibus at the Simon Mazorodze flyover in Harare on April 26, according to prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, when Sithole approached her with an accomplice who is still at large.
The two men allegedly forced the victim to Pioneer Cemetery in Mbare, where they robbed her of her bag containing important documents and personal belongings. They then reportedly took turns raping her.
The victim went to ZRP Matapi to report the event. Sithole visited the charge office when she was there wearing civilian attire. He allegedly intimidated her not to disclose the crime when the victim identified him. She did, however, report that she had been raped to the police officers in attendance.
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In another story, Blessing Mutota sentenced 25 years prison for 3 counts of rape and 2 counts of robbery.Harare magistrate Fadzai Mtombeni sentenced Blessing Mutota to 25 years in prison for his heinous crimes. Mutota stood accused of three counts of rape and two counts of robbery, marking a reign of terror that ended in the courtroom.
Mtombeni remarked, “The typical sentencing range for rape falls between 15 to 20 years. However, considering the gravity of the offenses and the vulnerability of the victims, a stricter punishment is warranted.”
Highlighting the severity of Mutota’s actions, Mtombeni noted, “The crimes were committed under aggravating circumstances, occurring at night with evidence of premeditation.”
