A 23-year-old Filabusi man has been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison after being convicted of armed robbery and rape at the Gwanda Regional Court.
The offences were committed on March 14, 2026, at a homestead in Sukasihambe Co-operative.
The court heard that the accused and an accomplice, who remains at large, armed themselves with a pistol and an axe before breaking into the homestead where a couple was sleeping.
The pair threatened the couple and stole a 24-inch Samsung television, a 30-watt solar panel, three 12-volt batteries, two shaving machines, two mobile phones and US$43 in cash.
The stolen property was valued at US$263.
Before fleeing, the two men dragged the couple outside at gunpoint.
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They then took turns raping the 22-year-old woman. The accused raped her twice.
The matter was reported to the police, and the victim was referred to Filabusi District Hospital for a medical examination.
A medical report was produced in court as evidence.
Police investigations subsequently led to the accused's arrest at his residence.
During a search of the premises, officers recovered a Samsung television, a 12-volt battery and a 30-watt solar panel, with a combined value of US$90.
The recovered items were produced in court as exhibits, alongside other evidence, resulting in the accused's conviction and sentencing.
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