21-Year-Old Man Receives 40-Year Prison Sentence for Raping 81-Year-Old Grandmother in Bulawayo
A 21-year-old man has been handed a 40-year jail term after being found guilty of raping an 81-year-old grandmother twice during a violent home invasion in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Gift Ncube was convicted on two counts of rape by the Bulawayo Regional Magistrates’ Court, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective four-decade prison term.
Details of the Brutal Attack and Swift Arrest
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the horrific incident occurred in the early hours of February 15, 2026, in the Hope Fountain area. Prosecutors detailed in court that Ncube forced his way into the elderly woman’s home around 3 a.m. by breaking a window. Once inside, he allegedly overpowered the victim, threatened to kill her, and assaulted her before raping her in the sitting room. The court further heard that he then dragged her to her bedroom, where he assaulted her again.
In a twist that led to his rapid apprehension, Ncube reportedly fell asleep in the victim’s bed after the attack. The elderly woman managed to escape the house and alert neighbors, who responded immediately. Community members entered the home and found the suspect naked and asleep, carrying out a citizen’s arrest. Police later confirmed signs of forced entry at the scene, corroborating the victim’s account.
Court Sentencing and Community Response
The NPAZ strongly condemned the attack in its statement, describing it as a grave violation of a vulnerable member of society. The authority urged communities to remain vigilant in protecting elderly residents from such heinous crimes. With the sentences set to run back-to-back, Ncube will serve the full 40 years in custody before becoming eligible for release, emphasizing the severity of the offense.
This case highlights critical issues of public safety and the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, in residential areas. The swift community action and subsequent legal proceedings demonstrate a collective effort to address violent crimes and ensure justice for victims.
