Two men suspected of luring women with fake job offers in a WhatsApp group and subsequently raping them were caught in a trap set by residents. Macdonald Manzungu and Tedious Nyashanu, both 20, were apprehended on Saturday evening, reported <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/they-used-whatsapp-to-lure-their-victims-and-then-walked-into-a-trapl-two-suspected-rapists-nabbed/">H-Metro</a>.
The suspects were handed over to the police and are currently in custody at Chikwanha Police Station in Chitungwiza, awaiting court proceedings as investigations continue. 
The trap was orchestrated by a youth leader from Charigwati Village in Seke, who mobilised other local youths, including Kudakwashe Machipisa, Itai Mahachi, and Michael Shonhiwa.
They managed to contact the father of a woman from Waterfalls who had been raped in a previous incident and informed him of their plan to capture the perpetrators.
Using a friend of the victim as bait, they had her post a message in the same WhatsApp group, stating she was seeking a job as a housemaid. The suspects responded, promising her an employer willing to pay $60 more than her current salary of $100.
On Saturday evening, arrangements were made for the woman to meet the supposed “employment agents” near Chikwanha Shopping Centre in Seke.
Unbeknownst to Manzungu and Nyashanu, three groups had been set up to pursue them. As they walked with their latest victim toward Nyatsime College, the groups pounced on them near the Manhombo area, successfully apprehending the suspects.
This comes after the Police recently issued a statement, warning jobseekers against responding to job postings and dating requests on social media.
A 20-year-old woman was sexually abused after being lured to a secluded place at Charigwati Village Seke on December 06 this year.
The woman had responded to a fake job posting for a bar sales position.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Two men in Chitungwiza were caught raping women they lured with fake job offers on WhatsApp. Residents set a trap and caught the two suspects, Macdonald Manzungu and Tedious Nyashanu. They were handed over to the police and are waiting for court. The trap was set up by local youths, and they caught the suspects when they tried to meet a woman for a fake job. The police warned people not to trust job postings on social media. Another woman was also sexually abused by the suspects earlier.

Two WhatsApp Rapists Arrested In Chitungwiza

The release of rapists from prison under a recent Presidential Amnesty has been castigated by activists and legal experts who argue that the move undermines efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and to protect victims.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently granted amnesty to more than 4 000 prisoners to decongest the country’s overcrowded jails.
Rapists who are over 65 years and had served two-thirds of their prison terms benefited under the amnesty.
Social commentator Pardon Taodzera told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200012113/amnesty-for-rapists-hitting-victims-harder">NewsDay</a> that the release of rapists raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing GBV. Said Taodzera:
<blockquote>
The decision to grant amnesty to rapists by Mnangagwa raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence.
While prison overcrowding is undoubtedly a pressing issue, it should never come at the expense of survivors’ rights and safety.
This decision undermines the efforts of activists, organisations, and individuals who have tirelessly worked towards creating a society free from violence and discrimination.
It sends a message that the state is prioritising the convenience of the justice system over the well-being of survivors and the deterrence of future crimes.
It is crucial for the government to consider alternative measures that do not compromise the principles of justice, such as implementing comprehensive rehabilitation programs and improving the efficiency of the judicial process.
Failure to do so not only erodes public trust but also perpetuates a culture of impunity that further endangers the lives of women and girls.
</blockquote>
Legal commentator Admire Huniuswa said granting presidential amnesty to rapists could be in violation of international human rights norms and domestic laws that guarantee protection against GBV. He said:
<blockquote>
The amnesty to rapists raises significant legal concerns and questions the adherence to international human rights standards.
While the issue of prison overcrowding is a legitimate concern, it is crucial to prioritise the rights and safety of survivors and ensure that justice is served.
Granting amnesty to rapists undermines the principle of accountability and sends a detrimental message to both survivors and potential offenders.
It is essential to explore alternative solutions, such as improving the efficiency of the justice system, implementing restorative justice programmes, and providing comprehensive support to survivors.
Moreover, this decision may be in violation of domestic laws and international human rights instruments that guarantee protection against gender-based violence.
It is imperative for legal experts and human rights organisations to challenge the constitutionality of this amnesty and advocate for a justice system that upholds the rights and safety of all individuals, particularly survivors of sexual violence.
</blockquote>
Opposition CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere on Wednesday said it was “grossly irrational to release dangerous, unrehabilitated offenders back into society” before informing or preparing rape victims.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Releasing Rapists Undermines Fight Against Gender-based Violence"

Rape victims have condemned the release of rapists before fully serving their prison sentences under a recent Presidential Amnesty.
Victims of rape said it was painful to see convicted rapists “boasting” on camera about their offences after being released from jail
Emelka (not her real name) was only 11 years old when a 59-year-old villager raped her.
The rapist violated her several times, threatening to kill the young girl using witchcraft if she dared reveal the assault to anyone.
The issue only came to light when the girl contracted a sexually transmitted infection.
The man was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison but was among those released last week after a Presidential Amnesty.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200012113/amnesty-for-rapists-hitting-victims-harder">NewsDay</a>, Elmelka’s mother said the Presidential Amnesty is a betrayal of rape victims’ trust in the justice system. She said:
<blockquote>
I am appalled and devastated by President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa’s decision to grant amnesty to rapists.
My daughter, who was brutally assaulted, fought tirelessly for justice and now it feels like her struggle was in vain.
This amnesty sends a message that the pain and trauma endured by victims are insignificant.
It is a betrayal of our trust in the justice system and a blow to all the survivors who summoned the courage to come forward.
I fear for the safety of women in our society, as this decision only encourages more violence and leaves us without recourse.
</blockquote>
Vimbiso (not her real name), a 33-year-old rape survivor told NewsDay that she was “devastated” by Mnangagwa’s decision to grant amnesty to rapists. She said:
<blockquote>
As a survivor of rape, I am devastated by President Mnangagwa’s decision to grant amnesty to rapists.
It feels like a betrayal to know that the person who violated me may be set free without serving their full sentence.
This decision dismisses the pain and trauma endured by survivors like me. It sends a message that our suffering doesn’t matter and that justice can be easily disregarded.
It took courage for me to come forward and seek justice, and now I feel defeated.
Amnesty on rapists perpetuates a cycle of violence and leaves us vulnerable.
I implore the government to reconsider this decision and prioritise the safety and mental well-being of survivors.
We deserve justice and support, not the fear that our perpetrators will go unpunished.
</blockquote>
Under the Presidential Amnesty, rapists who are over 65 years and had served two-thirds of their prison terms were released.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rape Victims Condemn Release Of Rapists Under Presidential Amnesty

Police in Harare have expressed concern over an increase in rape cases involving minor children.
ZRP spokesperson in Harare Province, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their children from harm.
He also called upon parents to monitor their children’s online activities and ensure they are not exposed to potential sexual predators. Said Insp Chakanza:
<blockquote>
In one of the cases, police arrested and released a 15-year-old boy into the custody of his guardian for raping a 9-year-old girl.
The boy once stayed at the same house as the girl in Kuwadzana.
Sometime in September 2019, the girl’s mother went to meet her brother at a footbridge in Kuwadzana 3 leaving the girl alone at home.
The accused person took advantage and invited the girl to their room and raped her.
He threatened to assault her if she disclosed the matter to anyone.
On another date in October 2019, the girl’s mother went to town leaving her at home, and the accused lured her to the bathroom and raped her. He threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
In the same month, the boy followed the girl to the toilet and raped her.
The matter came to light last month when the girl visited her grandmother in Masvingo for the school holidays when she disclosed the matter to her.
A report was lodged on May 20 leading to the arrest of the accused person.
He was released into the custody of his guardian and the victim was referred to the Family Support Clinic for medical examination.
</blockquote>
He said in another case, a 12-year-old boy raped a 10-year-old girl in Glen Lorne. Said Insp Chakanza:
<blockquote>
The girl and the boy’s uncle are tenants at a house in the suburb.
The boy visited his uncle for last year’s December school holidays.
The boy invited the girl to play with him in the garage.
He raped the girl and threatened to assault her if she told anyone.
The boy returned to Glen Lorne for the April school holidays and raped the complainant again in the garage.
The boy told his friend what he did to the girl and the friend told the girl’s mother.
</blockquote>
He said the Police have a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse and will ensure that rapists are arrested and prosecuted.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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