×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Masvingo ‘serial rapist’ nabbed

News
POLICE in Masvingo have arrested a suspected serial rapist linked to more than 25 cases in Chivi district and other crimes that include murder, assault and theft.

POLICE in Masvingo have arrested a suspected serial rapist linked to more than 25 cases in Chivi district and other crimes that include murder, assault and theft. BY XOLISANI NCUBE

Masvingo Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Crispen Makedenge confirmed the arrest of Charles Matanga (31) on Monday after the police had launched a manhunt for the suspect following a reign of terror in the province.

“We have accounted for that one; he is now in police custody. He has so many counts of rape which he is facing,” Makedenge said.

The arrest brought relief to women, who were now living in fear of being violated by the suspect.

According to the police, the accused attacked his victims, and raped them while they were bleeding from wounds he would have inflicted on them.

Police said, after committing the crimes, the suspect would then take off with the victim’s undergarments.

“The way he operated was scary and violent and the community was now living in fear. Upon arresting him, we recovered a slasher, catapult, wig, which we suspect he used for disguise and two woolen hats. We are hoping that rape crimes will now go down after this,” Makedenge said.

Police said his youngest victim was a 13-year-old.