Burglar robs, rapes Byo teenager, 17

Zim Now Writer

A male intruder broke into a house in Pumula, Bulawayo, on Sunday night before raping and robbing a 17-year-old occupant.

He was armed with a knife and a half brick and threatened the victim before demanding cash, and proceeded to sexually assault her.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident, saying:

“On the 9th of July 2023 at around 10PM, the complainant retired to bed after securing everything and closing all windows.

“At around 4:30am, she was awakened by footsteps of the accused person who was walking inside the house she torched with her phone and saw the accused person who was putting on black clothes, armed with a knife and a half brick.

“The complainant tried to scream but the accused person threatened to harm her,” she said.

Asst Insp Msebele said the suspect demanded cash and raped the girl once when she said she didn’t have any money.

The assailant then took the victim’s Itel cellphone and jumped out through the window.

Asst Insp Msebele implored members of the public to use target hardening techniques such as the installation of window and door burglar bars to make it difficult for intruders to break in.