Gibson Mhaka
VILLAGERS in Dande Mine in Matopo, Matabeleland South province have heaved a sigh of relief after a suspected axe and okapi wielding serial rapist who was terrorising the area was arrested.
Nkosilathi Masuku (24) who used used those weapons to prey on victims was arrested after he allegedly sexually abused three women on different occasions.
Allegations against Masuku are that on 15 June 2020 and at around 4pm, a 16-year-old girl was on her way home using a bushy area near Teak Furnishers Compound when she was approached by Masuku who was carrying an axe.
Masuku demanded to have sexual intercourse with her while threatening to strike her with the axe. Fearing that Masuku might harm her, the girl complied and had sex with him once.
It is alleged that on 17 June 2021 and at around 3pm Masuku who was armed with an okapi knife approached another victim, a 58-year-old woman from Teak Furnishers Compound at Inyandeni Farm where she was cutting grass. Upon arrival he ordered the elderly woman to undress and lie down.
The woman complied with his orders and he allegedly raped her once.
It is yet to be proven that on 27 July 2021 and at around 4pm Masuku who seemed to be on a raping spree met another victim, an 18-year-old girl who was on her way home from fetching water.
He reportedly waylaid her and demanded sex from her while at the same threatening her with a knife.
The victim tried to flee but Masuku later caught up with her before he dragged her to a nearby mountain where he raped her twice.
It is reported that on 8 August 2021 the victim saw Masuku and she recognised him before she rushed to the police to make a report leading to his arrest.
Following his arrest, the other two victims were called for an identification parade where they also positively identified him as the perpetrator.
For the offence Masuku appeared before a court facing three counts of rape. He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 24 August 2021.
