32 years for robbing, raping spree

A ZIMUNYA man’s rape and robbery spree recently came to a screeching halt after he was sentenced to 32 years in prison for the offences.

Twenty-three-year-old Lawrence Munyama was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, robbery and unlawful entry by Mutare regional magistrate, Ms Tilda Mazhande.

Ms Peserverance Musukuto prosecuted. For the rape and attempted rape charges, Munyama was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

Three years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

For the robbery cases, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Munyama was also sentenced to six months for theft, assault and unlawful entry.

Munyama will therefore serve an effective jail term of 32 years.

Ms Masukuto said on September 28, 2021 at Chapeyama Village under Chief Zimunya, Munyama attempted to rape a fellow villager, but the woman managed to overpower him.

However, he managed to rape two elderly women aged 76 and 74 respectively.

“In the first rape case, he threatened the 74-year-old complainant with death when he met her while she was fetching firewood in the bushes in Tembere Village under Chief Zimunya. Munyama assaulted the complainant before raping her.

“Munyama also raped a 76-year-old woman before stealing her phone and US$40,” said Ms Masukuto.

She said Munyama would move around with a machete that he used to threaten his victims before robbing them.

“He hacked one of the victims with a machete on the right shoulder, on the right elbow and on left side of the head and she sustained serious injuries,” said Ms Masukuto.