Barber Sentenced to 75 Years for Sexually Abusing 5 Minors

Midlands - A Kwekwe man, Rangarirai Mutangi (31), has been sentenced to an effective 75 years imprisonment after being convicted of multiple counts of rape and aggravated indecent assault involving five minors.

The judgment was delivered at the Kwekwe Regional Magistrates’ Court by Rumbidzai Mugwagwa, following prosecution led by Mitchelle Daraja.

Mutangi, a barber from Mbizo who also worked as a voluntary assistant with the National AIDS Council, was found guilty on eight counts of sexual offences committed between December 2024 and April 2026.

The court heard that the offences involved five children aged between 9 and 11 years.

Prosecutors told the court that Mutangi systematically targeted the minors over an extended period, using intimidation, manipulation and threats to facilitate the abuse.

Evidence presented before the court shows that the accused committed the offences in various circumstances, including within his residence and under the guise of social interaction and mentorship.

The abuse only came to light in April 2026 after suspicions were raised within the community, prompting victims to be questioned.

A report was subsequently made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mbizo, leading to investigations in which corroborative evidence, including a weapon allegedly used in the offences, was recovered from the accused’s premises.

The court imposed 15-year custodial sentences for each count. Several of the sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 75 years imprisonment.

In delivering judgment, Magistrate Mugwagwa described sexual offences against children as grave violations that demand stiff custodial sentences in order to protect vulnerable members of society and deter similar conduct.

Authorities commended the courage of the victims and the vigilance of the community, which ultimately led to the exposure, arrest and conviction of the offender.