Police in Midlands Province have launched a manhunt for a suspected rapist from Zhombe who allegedly left his trousers and shoes at the crime scene after raping a 15-year-old girl in front of her two siblings.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Midlands Province Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident to the Chronicle.
The incident occurred on Wednesday last week around 9:30 PM in Mugan’a Village under Chief Malisa in Zhombe. Said Inspector Mahoko:
It is alleged that the complainant (name withheld to protect her identity) was sleeping in her bedroom together with her two young brothers when the suspect Costa Muswazulu of Tito Village under Chief Malisa gained entry into the room armed with a knife.
Muswazulu allegedly forced the complainant to wake up and pointed a knife at her threatening to stab her if she made any noise. Said Insp Mahoko:
Muswazulu then removed his clothes before also undressing the complainant and raped her once.
He said the complainant and her brothers screamed for help thereby waking up their elder brother who was sleeping in the kitchen.
The complainant’s brother tried to apprehend the suspect but was hit with a piece of wood resulting in Muswazulu escaping and fleeing into the darkness. Added Insp Mahoko:
Muswazulu escaped leaving behind his pair of trousers and shoes. The items have since been taken by the police as exhibits.
He appealed to members of the public who may have information that may assist in the arrest of the suspect to approach any nearest police station.
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