A 37-year-old man from Mhondoro will spend the next decade and a half behind bars after a Harare court found him guilty of a heinous act against his own mother-in-law.
The court heard chilling details of the events that unfolded on September 17, 2025, in Makoni Village.
The victim, a 56-year-old woman, was in her bedroom seeking rest. She was not alone, her elderly mother, aged 94, was also in the room when their peace was violently shattered.
Walter Maponga, identified as the woman’s son-in-law, broke into the room in a blind rage.
The Motive According to the State, led by prosecutor Mr. Blessed Songozo, Maponga was furious over a marital dispute. Upon entering the room, he began assaulting the 56-year-old, accusing her of "taking his wife away from him."
The situation escalated rapidly. Maponga demanded intimacy from the woman before overpowering her in front of her elderly mother.
The trauma was only halted thanks to the bravery of two locals.
Godfrey Makoni and Cleopas Nziramasanga rushed to the scene, rescuing the victim and apprehending Maponga. Their quick actions ensured he did not escape, holding him until he could face the law.
Harare regional magistrate Ms. Jessie Kufa did not mince words.
In her ruling, she stated that the State had successfully proved the case against Maponga. She convicted him of both rape and assault, handing down a 15-year prison sentence.
The conviction sends a stern warning to perpetrators of gender-based violence that the courts are taking a hard line on abuse. - Zimbo LIVE Harare
