A man from Domboshava accused of sexually assaulting and robbing women he enticed with promises of non-existent jobs has been apprehended and appeared before a magistrate in Harare.

Willard Kudakwashe Jonifati, aged 25, allegedly used a WhatsApp group to advertise fictitious employment opportunities, through which he preyed on women who expressed interest. His activities came to an end when he was arrested on charges of rape and robbery, reportedly employing the same tactics with multiple victims, two of whom lodged complaints leading to his arrest.

According to court proceedings, Jonifati would lure his victims to secluded locations where he allegedly subjected them to repeated sexual assaults before stealing their money and possessions. He has been remanded in custody with instructions to seek bail through the High Court.

In a separate incident, Tedius Mhungira, 35, faces allegations of armed robbery following a heist at a local company where he purportedly broke into a safe and made off with more than US$200,000. It is claimed that Mhungira threatened the on-duty security guard with a firearm before accessing the office where he and his accomplices, who are currently fugitives, stole the cash. Mhungira, too, has been remanded in custody pending trial.

Meanwhile, businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu remain incarcerated as they await the outcome of their bail application related to charges of defrauding the government of over US$7 million. The funds were purportedly intended for the Presidential Goat Scheme but were allegedly misappropriated by the duo. The bail hearing for Chimombe and Mpofu is scheduled to continue this Tuesday.

In other news – 3 Beitbridge cops up for rape

Three police officers stationed at Chituripasi Police Station in Beitbridge East district have been accused of multiple counts of raping an 18-year-old woman last month.

The officers, identified as Courage Majoni (32), Jabulani Museba (33), and Enock Nyamupandu (35), appeared before regional magistrate Innocent Bepura where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were remanded in custody pending a bail application. Read More