Man , 23, gets 20 years for axe-and-gun rape robbery spree

A Filabusi man was slammed with an effective 20-year prison term Tuesday for a brutal March raid in which he and a fugitive accomplice used a pistol and axe to terrorise a sleeping couple, then took turns raping the wife, with the offender assaulting her twice.

The Gwanda Regional Court convicted the 23-year-old on armed robbery and rape charges, handing down five years for the theft and 15 for the sexual attack.

“On 14 March 2026, the offender and an accomplice, who remains at large, armed themselves with a pistol and an axe and broke into a homestead in Sukasihambe Co-operative,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“They threatened a sleeping couple and stole a 24-inch Samsung television, a 30-watt solar panel, three 12-volt batteries, two shaving machines, two mobile phones, and USD 43 in cash.

The total loot valued at USD 263.

“Before fleeing, the pair dragged the couple outside at gunpoint, where both men took turns raping the 22-year-old wife. The offender raped her twice.”

Police tracked the suspect to his home, recovering the TV, a battery, and the solar panel, worth US$90, leading to his arrest. The victim was examined at Filabusi District Hospital.

The NPA vowed to keep prosecuting violent offenders.

“We strongly condemn acts of violence and sexual abuse and remain steadfast in prosecuting perpetrators to ensure safety, security and justice.”

The accomplice remains at large.

In an related incident, NPA said a 28-year-old man was sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison for the brutal rape of a 12-year-old girl who was sent to harvest maize with her younger brother.

The Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court heard that on 27 June, 2026, the offender stalked the siblings to a homestead, then ambushed them as they returned home around 6 PM.

Armed with a tree branch, he gave chase, forcing the pair to flee in opposite directions.

He caught the girl, seized her by the neck, and dragged her toward a dam.

When she screamed, he threatened to kill her. He then pinned her down, stripped her, and raped her four times.

The victim’s brother escaped and alerted their mother, who found the girl and immediately reported the attack. Police moved swiftly, arresting the man and securing a conviction.

He will serve two decades behind bars.