Prisoner gets 16 years for sodomy

A PRISONER at Mutare Farm Prison, who sexually assaulted other inmates he was sharing a cell with, was this week slapped with a 16-year jail term.

Trynos Chikondere (52) who was serving a different sentence at Mutare Farm Prison, was sentenced to a further 16-year imprisonment when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

Presiding magistrate, Mrs Tilda Mazhande, sentenced Chikondere to one-year imprisonment for indecent assault, and 15 years for aggravated indecent assault.

Mr Thurstone Mubvumbi represented the State.

Chikondere was convicted of sexually molesting two youthful inmates aged (23) and (25) years, respectively.

Mr Mubvumbi said sometime in November 2023, Chikondere shared a cell with other inmates when he committed the first offence.

During the night, the first complainant woke up to find Chikondere caressing his behind.

The latter had already lowered the former’s trousers and underwear. The complainant made a report to Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services officers and a police report was made.

“While the first matter was still pending before the courts, and on January 24, Chikondere was sleeping next to a 23-year-old cellmate when he sexually abused him. When the man woke up, Chikondere was in the middle of sexually abusing him. Prison wardens were called.

“The complainant was sent to hospital for medical examinations, and the medical report showed that he had been sexually assaulted. A report was made to the police,” said Mr Mubvumbi.

During both nights, Chikondere and the complainants were sleeping in the same cell with other inmates.