A 23-year-old woman from Emthunzini suburb in Bulawayo who is employed by the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) as a bus conductor was ganged raped and robbed of her belongings while on her way to work around 2 am on Tuesday.
The matter was reported at Pumula police station and the name of the victim is being withheld for ethical reasons.
According to the police who confirmed the incident, the suspects were armed with knives.
“We are investigating a case of rape and robbery where a lady who works at ZUPCO was attacked around 02:30 hours yesterday. When she had traveled about a kilometre from her home, she met four unknown male adults armed with knives and they demanded cash from her,” said Bulawayo Police Spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube.
He said the victim surrendered R200 before she was force-marched back to her home.
“Upon arrival, her male co-tenant was attacked and she was then raped before those people disappeared into the darkness,” said the police spokesperson.
Inspector Ncube added that the male tenant was robbed of US$100 during the incident. He also appealed to the public to assist the police in apprehending the suspects.
“What we understand and what everyone knows is that those people are from within our communities and in the wee hours of the day it means they will be coming from patronising shebeens or committing criminal activities. Work with the police and report these criminals,” he appealed.
“They might not be coming from Emthunzini but they are from Bulawayo and some people are aware that their neighbours are into crime. If you suspect anything please report to the police.”
