Three inmates exploit power blackout to rape inmate, face two decades in prison

BULAWAYO – Three inmates at Bulawayo Prison, popularly known as Grey Prison, have been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each for aggravated indecent assault, following an incident that occurred during a power outage on December 29, 2024.

The Bulawayo Regional Magistrates’ Court handed down the sentences after the court heard that the 20-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by his three cellmates Bhekimpilo Sinyoro (30), Thabo Ncube (24) and Arnold Chemhere (29).

According to court proceedings, the incident took place at approximately 9:00 PM during a power outage at the facility.

The first offender, aged 30, initially approached the victim and asked him to sleep nearby. Upon the victim’s refusal, the first offender returned with the second offender, aged 24, and both reportedly insisted the victim join them.

When the victim continued to refuse, the two offenders are said to have lifted and manhandled him to their sleeping area.

The court heard that the offenders then forced the victim to lie on his right side, while the third offender, aged 29, covered the victim’s face with a blanket and pressed him down.

The three men then took turns to sexually assault the victim through anal intercourse without his consent.

The victim reported the assault to prison wardens, who then referred the matter to the police. A medical examination was also conducted.

Zimbabwe’s electricity crisis has negatively affected many sectors, including the economy. Households and businesses in cities sometimes go without power for over 18 hours.

Prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, two days ago, said his source at Harare Central Police Station told him that the whole station had no electricity. He accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of being a ‘failing’ to prioritise critical services such as electricity.

“My reliable source at Harare Central Police Station has just informed me that the whole station is in darkness,” Chin’ono said.

“One thing I do not understand about Emmerson Mnangagwa is his tragic failure to do basic things like installing solar systems at key security points. He could even send his kids as he does to supply the systems and make money.

“I have never seen a president so crooked and yet so useless in office as Mnangagwa.

“I feel sorry for businesses in Harare’s CBD that spent the whole day in darkness, while in neighbouring countries people were working! It is such a shame that affects all of us, including those of us who no longer live in Zimbabwe.”