Harare man jailed for 21 years after enjoying 6-strong rounds of sex with a prostitute without paying
HARARE – A 29-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being convicted of raping and robbing a sex worker. Point Mudimba was handed the lengthy jail term by Harare regional magistrate Noel Mupeiwa yesterday, following a full trial during which he initially pleaded not guilty.
The court heard that the complainant, a 21-year-old woman, was lured by Mudimba under the false pretence of a paid engagement for the night.
The State, represented by Chido Gohori, successfully proved that on September 1, Mudimba approached the complainant at Big Apple Night Club. He offered her US$30 for a night of sexual intercourse, suggesting they spend the night at his place in Westgate. They subsequently hired a taxi to take them to the location.
However, the situation took a sinister turn when they arrived at a certain bus stop. Mudimba instructed the taxi to drop them off, and they proceeded to walk a considerable distance, leaving the houses behind.
Upon reaching an open space, Mudimba ordered the complainant to lie down, but she refused. In response, he resorted to violence, strangling her and threatening to kill her.
He then produced a silver knife, using it to slightly stab her on the left hand, forcing her to comply with his demands and lie down on the ground. The court heard that Mudimba then proceeded to rape her six times.
After the repeated sexual assault, Mudimba tied the complainant’s hands and legs to a nearby tree with a rope. He then forcibly took her mobile phone and US$30 in cash, which was concealed at the back of her phone cover.
Mudimba then fled the scene, leaving the complainant bound and helpless. Fortunately, she was discovered by a passer-by who assisted her in contacting her friend, Tafara Mugova, a taxi driver.
The complainant recounted the harrowing ordeal to her friend, who immediately came to her rescue and picked her up from the scene.
Mudimba’s arrest occurred on September 3 when he brazenly returned to Big Apple Night Club. The complainant recognised him as he was leaving the establishment with another woman he had apparently hired.
She promptly alerted the night club security guards, who apprehended Mudimba. Upon his arrest, a silver knife was found in his pocket, further linking him to the crime.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mupeiwa sentenced Mudimba to nine years imprisonment for the robbery. Two years and six months of this sentence were suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
An additional six months were suspended on the condition that he restitutes the complainant US$250 for her stolen phone and cash.
Furthermore, Mudimba received a 15-year sentence for the rape conviction. Consequently, he will serve an effective 21 years in prison.
