Zim GBC News | Crimes and Courts
BULAWAYO – Police in Bulawayo are investigating two disturbing cases of rape involving juvenile girls, with one suspect already in custody and another on the run.
In the first incident, a 14-year-old girl from Billars Farm was attacked at her home on the evening of 26 December 2025. According to police, the girl was alone preparing supper when the suspect, identified as Ngqobizitha Sibanda, knocked on the door asking for her grandmother.
“The complainant was alone at home preparing supper when the accused person, Ngqobizitha Sibanda, a male adult of Billars Farm, knocked at the door and asked the whereabouts of the complainant’s grandmother, to which she advised him that she was not around,” said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the Bulawayo Provincial Police Press and Public Relations Officer.
Inspector Msebele detailed how the situation quickly turned violent.
“He then forced himself into the house, forcefully undressed her and raped her. After committing the offence, he threatened to assault the complainant if she divulged the matter to anyone.”
The victim remained silent for two months until her mother visited from Amazwi Village, Umguza, on 25 February 2026. The girl finally disclosed her ordeal, and her mother immediately accompanied her to the police to file a report. Police are now appealing for information that could lead to Sibanda’s arrest.
In a separate incident, a 25-year-old man is in custody after he allegedly raped a nine-year-old girl in Cowdray Park.
The incident occurred on 24 February 2026 at around 7 PM. Police say the juvenile was alone at home when the accused, Mthulisi Mafu, approached her asking for her sister.
“After being told she was not available, the accused person then signaled the juvenile to follow him to an unfinished room at the rear of the house where he raped her once,” Inspector Msebele said.
The crime was interrupted when the victim’s sister arrived and discovered the pair. Mafu fled the scene, but a police report was made leading to his arrest.
Inspector Msebele has issued a strong appeal to the community.
“We urge parents and guardians to protect juveniles at any possible way to prevent such cases from happening.”
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