Kwekwe Barber Jailed 75 Years for Serial Abuse

By Everisto Zhuwao

​The Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Rangarirai Mutangi, a 31-year-old barber from Mbizo, to an effective 75 years in prison.

Mutangi was found guilty of eight counts of rape and aggravated indecent assault involving five different children between the ages of 9 and 11.

​The court heard that Mutangi, who also served as a voluntary worker for the National AIDS Council and a modeling trainer, committed the crimes between December 2024 and April 2026.

He used various methods to lure his victims, including the pretext of playing mobile games and utilizing his professional roles to gain access to the children.

​In several instances, the offender used threats of violence to silence his victims.

Evidence presented in court revealed that he threatened a 9-year-old girl with a weapon and intimidated a 10-year-old boy with the threat of being shot to facilitate the ongoing abuse.

​The horrific series of events came to light in April 2026 after rumors began circulating within the Mbizo community.

Concerned parents and guardians questioned the children, leading to formal reports being filed with the ZRP Mbizo. Following a raid on Mutangi’s premises, police recovered a weapon and other evidence linking him to the crimes.

​The presiding magistrate sentenced Mutangi to 15 years for each of the eight counts. While some terms will run concurrently, the total effective sentence reached 75 years behind bars.

​In a statement following the sentencing, authorities emphasized that the exploitation of children will not be tolerated.

They commended the victims for their bravery and thanked the community for their vigilance in ensuring the predator was brought to justice.