Bulawayo Man, 21, Jailed 40 Years After Raping Granny, 81, And Falling Asleep In Her Bed

A 21-year-old man has been handed a massive 40-year prison sentence after breaking into an 81-year-old woman’s home and raping her twice in the early hours of the morning. Gift Ncube was convicted in the Bulawayo Regional Magistrates’ Court on two counts of rape, with the court ordering the sentences to run consecutively after a trial that revealed the truly terrifying nature of the attack.

Victim Escapes While Attacker Slept

The court heard chilling details of the incident, which took place on 15 February 2026. At around 3 AM, Ncube forced his way into the home of his elderly neighbour in Hope Fountain. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the violence used was extreme for a man facing a frail victim.

“The offender broke into the home of his 81-year-old neighbour in Hope Fountain,” reads the NPAZ statement regarding the facts of the case. “He violently subdued her, threatening to kill her while strangling her before forcing her to strip and raping her in her sitting room.”

After the initial assault in the sitting room, the situation escalated further as the man continued his attack in the most private space of the home. Prosecutors argued that the vulnerability of the victim was exploited in the worst possible way.

“He then dragged her to her bedroom, where he raped her again,” the NPAZ confirmed.

In a bizarre twist that ultimately led to his capture, Ncube reportedly fell asleep in the victim’s bed immediately after committing the heinous acts. The 81-year-old woman, showing incredible bravery, managed to slip away from the sleeping attacker and flee to safety.

Community Apprehends Naked Suspect

The victim quickly alerted neighbours, who rushed to the scene. What they found when they entered the home was a scene they will never forget.

“After committing these acts, the offender fell asleep in the victim’s bed,” the NPAZ detailed. “The victim managed to escape and alerted neighbours, who effected a citizen’s arrest after finding the offender naked and asleep.”

The evidence of the break-in was clear for all to see. “A broken window confirmed his unlawful entry,” the Authority added, sealing the forensic case against the young man.

The NPAZ used the conviction to send a strong message to the public about protecting the elderly, who are often targeted in their own homes.

“Breaking into the sanctuary of a senior citizen and subjecting them to such trauma is a violation of the highest order,” the NPAZ stated. “The NPAZ condemns such acts and urges communities to protect the elderly.”

Gift Ncube will now serve an effective 40 years behind bars—20 years for each count of rape, running consecutively—ensuring he will be well into his sixties before he is eligible for release.