Man Jailed 17 Years for Raping Commercial Sex Worker Twice

Mberengwa — A 23-year-old Mberengwa man has been jailed for 17 years for raping a 29-year-old commercial sex worker twice after she accompanied him under a "commercial agreement".

The Zvishavane Regional Magistrates’ Court convicted Nkululeko Moyo, of Mapfumo village under Chief Mutevaidze, on two counts of road side rape and sentenced him to 17 years in prison, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has confirmed.

The court heard that the incident happened on May 19, 2025, at about 3am.

The victim had agreed to accompany Moyo to his residence for the night as part of a commercial arrangement.

But the journey took a violent turn when Moyo allegedly broke an empty beer bottle and demanded money from her.

When she told him she had no cash, he dragged her into a nearby bush, forced her to undress and raped her.

After the first attack, Moyo allegedly ordered the woman to dress and continue walking with him.

After about 100 metres, he then forced her to undress again, ordered her to lie on the ground and raped her for a second time.

An opportunity to escape only arose after the second assault and the two were still on their way when they heard voices approaching from behind.

The court heard that Moyo fled the scene, leaving the woman to seek help.

She reported the matter to the police and was subsequently referred to Mberengwa Hospital for medical examination.

The NPAZ condemned the attack and warned that perpetrators of sexual violence would face the full force of the law.

"The NPAZ strongly condemns all acts of sexual violence and gender-based violence," the authority said in a statement.

It urged members of the public to report cases of sexual abuse to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.