Crimes and Courts Correspondent
A 39-year-old inmate, Brian Shereni, at Chikurubi Maximum Prison is facing serious sodomy charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a fellow prisoner.
The incident reportedly occurred on October 29th in Cell E, where both inmates were housed.
According to the prosecution, Shereni took advantage of the complainant while he was asleep and naked, leading to a non-consensual act that caused the complainant to awaken in pain and scream for help.
Legal Proceedings
Shereni appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa last Thursday, where the prosecution, led by Anesu Chirenje, detailed the events that transpired. Following the complainant’s screams, other inmates intervened, and the matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, which subsequently led to Shereni’s arrest.
Context of Sexual Abuse in Prisons
This case is part of a troubling trend of sexual abuse within Zimbabwean prisons. Earlier this year, two inmates at Khami Maximum Prison faced charges for engaging in consensual anal sex, which is illegal under Zimbabwean law. This incident came to light when one of the inmates reported experiencing anal pain.
Additionally, in August, three inmates from Harare Central Remand Prison were arrested for aggravated indecent assault after allegedly taking turns sexually assaulting a 20-year-old complainant. These incidents highlight the ongoing issues of sexual violence and abuse within the prison system in Zimbabwe, raising concerns about inmate safety and the need for reform.
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