A 45-year-old Chitungwiza man was raped and robbed after boarding a mushikashika vehicle in Harare.
Police confirmed the disturbing case, which happened after the man got into a blue Honda Fit in the Harare CBD on Sunday.
The vehicle was travelling towards Chitungwiza. According to police, three women and a driver were inside the car when the man boarded.
What began as a normal journey home turned into a horrifying attack along Seke Road.
Man Boards Car in Harare CBD
The victim boarded the blue Honda Fit in central Harare, believing it was heading to Chitungwiza.
Mushikashika vehicles are widely used by commuters across Harare and surrounding areas. Many people board them because they are fast, flexible and easily available.
However, this case has once again exposed the dangers faced by commuters who use unregistered public transport.
Police said the man was travelling in the vehicle with three women and the driver when the attack happened.
Rape Happens Along Seke Road
As the car travelled along Seke Road, the man was forced into sexual acts by the women. Police said the driver later pulled off the road near the corner of Seke Road and Delport Road.
The victim was then robbed of his Samsung cellphone and US$20. After taking his belongings, the suspects pushed him out of the vehicle.
They then drove away at high speed towards Chitungwiza. The incident has shocked many people because of the nature of the attack and the busy route where it happened.
Seke Road is one of the main links between Harare and Chitungwiza. Thousands of commuters use the road every day.
Police Confirm Case
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case. He said the victim was referred to Chitungwiza Central Hospital for medical examinations.
The medical examination will form part of the police investigation. Police are now working to trace the blue Honda Fit, the driver and the three women involved in the attack.
At the time of the report, no arrests had been announced.
Public Urged to Help
Police are appealing for information that may help them identify the suspects.
Anyone who may have seen the blue Honda Fit or suspicious activity near Seke Road and Delport Road on Sunday is urged to report to the nearest police station.
Information from witnesses could help investigators track the vehicle and bring the suspects to justice. The case is still under investigation.
Male Victims Deserve Justice
The rape of a man is a serious crime. It should not be treated as a joke, rumour or social media punchline.
Male victims often suffer in silence because of shame, fear and public ridicule. Many are afraid that people will not believe them.
This case shows why that attitude must change. Rape can happen to anyone. Survivors need medical care, protection and justice.
They also need communities that respond with seriousness, not mockery.
Mushikashika Danger in Focus
The case has also renewed concern over mushikashika vehicles. Police have repeatedly warned commuters against using unregistered transport.
These vehicles often operate without proper records. Passengers may not know the driver, the registration number or the identity of other people inside the car.
When crimes happen, that makes investigations more difficult. Commuters are being urged to use registered public transport where possible.
They should also share vehicle details with relatives before travelling, especially at night or on long routes.
Commuters Warned to Stay Alert
Passengers should avoid vehicles that appear suspicious. They should also be careful when boarding cars with unknown passengers already inside.
Where possible, commuters should record the vehicle registration number and send it to a trusted person before the journey starts. These small steps can help police if something goes wrong.
However, the responsibility for this crime lies with the attackers. The victim boarded a vehicle expecting transport. Instead, he was violated and robbed.
Call for Justice
The Seke Road rape case has left many Harare and Chitungwiza residents disturbed. For the victim, the trauma will not end with the police report.
He now faces a painful recovery process after a violent and humiliating attack. Police must move quickly to trace the suspects and establish exactly what happened.
The public must also take the matter seriously. A man was raped and robbed after boarding the transport. That is not a laughing matter. It is a violent crime.
The suspects must be found and brought before the courts.
Sources: H Metro
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