Court convicts 37-year-old Walter Maponga after neighbours rescue victim and testimony confirms a clear prima facie case.
A Zimbabwean man, Walter Maponga, 37, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his 56-year-old mother-in-law in a shocking attack carried out in her bedroom while her 94-year-old mother watched helplessly.
The disturbing incident occurred on September 17, 2025, in Makoni Village, Mhondoro. According to the State, led by prosecutor Blessed Songozo, Maponga forced his way into the victim’s bedroom where she was resting with her elderly mother. He immediately began assaulting her, accusing her of causing problems in his marriage and demanding sex.
“The State proved that upon entering the room, Maponga started assaulting the complainant, demanding to have sex with her while blaming her for taking away his wife,” the prosecution stated.
Neighbours Godfrey Makoni and Cleopas Nziramasanga heard the commotion and rushed in, rescuing the woman and apprehending Maponga at the scene. Their swift intervention prevented further harm and ensured the suspect was handed over to authorities.
Harare regional magistrate Jessie Kufa ruled that the prosecution had presented solid evidence, stating: “The State managed to prove a prima facie case against Maponga.”
The violent assault has stunned residents of the rural Mhondoro community, who expressed outrage over the betrayal of family trust and the trauma inflicted on the victim — especially with her elderly mother witnessing the attack.
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