A 41-year-old man from Honde Valley has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court for attempting to rape a 23-year-old fellow villager in a harrowing attack that saw the victim fight back using avocados before overpowering her assailant.
The court heard that on 29 June 2026 at around 2300 hours, the offender was returning from a bar when he proceeded to the victim’s house.
The victim heard noises outside and peeped through the window, where she spotted the offender attempting to force it open from the outside.
In a desperate bid to scare him away, the victim threw avocados through the window at her attacker.
However, the offender refused to leave and forcibly pushed open the door, which had been locked from the inside.
He entered the house and dragged the victim to a nearby forest, where he removed her dress and tied it around her mouth to silence her.
The offender attempted to rape the victim, but she fought back courageously, grabbing his genitals and forcing him to stop. The victim then managed to untie the cloth from her mouth and screamed for help.
A fellow villager heard her cries and rushed to the scene. Upon seeing the villager, the offender attempted to flee but was apprehended at the scene.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ, in a statement, commended the victim’s bravery while condemning the attack.
“The victim’s quick thinking in throwing avocados at her attacker demonstrated remarkable presence of mind in the face of danger,” the NPAZ said.
“She showed extraordinary courage when she grabbed her assailant’s genitals, effectively halting the attack and creating an opportunity to free herself,” the statement added.
“Her screams for help, despite the terror of the moment, ultimately led to the offender’s capture and ensured he faced justice,” the NPAZ further noted.
The NPAZ strongly condemned all acts of sexual violence, stating that such offences are a gross violation of human dignity, bodily integrity and the right to live free from abuse and fear.
The offender was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted rape charge.
