Armed Robbers Gang-rape Robbery Victims
Five armed robbers allegedly gang-raped three women when they raided a family from Upper Rangemore in Bulawayo last Wednesday at around 7 PM.
The gang also robbed the family of US$10, ZAR50 and $180, a jersey, and a travellers’ bag before disappearing into the darkness.
The robbers who were armed with a machete, a small axe and three knives are said to have used an unlocked door to gain entry into the house.
Bulawayo Acting Provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident. She said:
We are investigating an armed robbery case where five suspects armed with a machete, small axe and three knives broke into a house in Upper Rangemore on Wednesday around 7 PM. The armed robbers used an unlocked door to enter the house.
Asst Insp Msebele said the gang proceeded to the sitting room where the family was watching television and demanded their valuables. She said:
Two of the accused persons grabbed the male complainant (28), searched him and took an Itel cellphone, Samsung cellphone, Vodafone cellphone, and cash amounting to US$10, ZAR50, $180 from his trousers pocket.
The accused persons tied all the complainants’ hands and feet using shoelaces.
She said the gang proceeded to the female complainant (21) and took US$5 which was in the pocket of her skirt. Said Asst Insp Msebele:
The gang then force-marched the three female complainants aged 21, 19 and 15 to the kitchen where they took turns to rape them without protection.
The complainants made a report at Nkulumane Police Station the following day around 5 AM. Asst Insp Msebele added:
Three female complainants were referred to Mpilo Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Total value stolen is US$245, ZAR50, $180. Investigations are in progress at Nkulumane police station.
She appealed to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the accused persons to contact any nearest police station.
