The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata
Senior Reporter
A HOBHOUSE man who allegedly robbed two students from a local university before raping one of them was recently arrested after detectives traced a stolen cellphone which he had given to his wife as a gift.
Beelinkman Gopito of Hobhouse 1 is now facing robbery and rape charges as defined in Section 65 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Criminal Investigations Department Mutare District spokesperson, Detective Sergeant Coleen Mbato said the crimes were committed on October 4 and the suspect was arrested on Sunday.
“It is alleged that on the day in question, the two complainants who are both students at a local university were in their respective rooms in Mutare when the suspect broke into the first complainant’s room. He was armed with an iron bar in his right hand,” he said.
While in the room, Gopito ordered the complainant not to make noise or risk being killed. He demanded cellphones and money.
The first complainant complied by handing over US$2 and a Meizu 10 cellphone.
Gopito allegedly dragged the complainant outside and raped her.
“After that act, he tied the first complainant’s hands with a shoe lace and escorted her back to her room. He entered into the second complainant’s room and demanded cash and cellphones.
“The complainant gave him a G-tel X8 cellphone and US$222. At that juncture, the complainant screamed for help and this alerted the security guard who quickly reacted to the distress call. Gopito bolted from the scene and disappeared into the darkness.
“During investigations, detectives discovered that the Meizu 10 cellphone stolen from one of the complainants was being used by Gopito. On November 29, detectives made some follow-ups leading to Gopito’s arrest in Hobhouse,” said Detective Sergeant Mbato.
During interrogation, Gopito stated that his wife, Majority Kuudzehwe, was the owner of the cellphone.
When Kuudzehwe was summoned for questioning, she denied ever purchasing the cellphone, and stated that she was given the cellphone by Gopito as a gift.
