17-Year-Old Girl Raped While Enroute to All-Night Prayer with Boyfriend, Assault Occurs in Front of her Child

A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for the heinous rape of a 17-year-old girl and the assault of her boyfriend.

The events unfolded on November 13, 2025, near the Lutumba Business Centre as the victim and her boyfriend were walking to an all-night prayer meeting.

According to court reports, the couple was approached by the assailant, who was armed with an Okapi knife.

In a sudden and violent confrontation, he stabbed the boyfriend in the lower back. Fearing for his life, the boyfriend fled to seek help, leaving the young girl vulnerable to the attacker.

The offender then forced the victim towards a nearby church while physically assaulting her, strangling her and inflicting a stab wound to her right arm when she attempted to resist.

After robbing her of two mobile phones, the assailant compelled her to lead him to her home, where the tragic act of rape occurred in front of her 2-year-old child.

The following morning, the victim confided in a relative, who assisted her in filing a police report.

Subsequent legal action led to the conviction of the offender, who was sentenced to 15 years for rape and an additional six months for the assault.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that perpetrators of sexual violence and brutal physical attacks will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Community members are also urged to exercise caution and avoid traveling at night whenever possible.