Gokwe Vendor Jailed for Drawing Blood from Young Girl, Zimbos Demand Harsher Sentence

Zimbabweans Demand Harsher Sentence After Gokwe Vendor Gets 24 Months for Forcibly Drawing Blood from Young Girl

Zimbabweans have reacted with outrage following the sentencing of a 33-year-old woman who was found guilty of forcibly drawing blood from a minor to test her HIV status.

Many citizens feel the 24-month sentence handed down is far too lenient for such a disturbing and invasive act.

Also Read: 13 Youths Busted at Wild Vuzu Party in Bulawayo, Names Released

Disturbing Incident at Gokwe Centre

The Gokwe Magistrates’ Court delivered its verdict on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, convicting Mavis Sibanda of assault.

The court heard that the incident took place just two days earlier, on 26 May at around 10 AM, at Sai Mart Supermarket—formerly known as Choppies—at Gokwe Centre.

According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sibanda had called the victim over to her market stall.

Without consent, she grabbed the child’s right forefinger, pierced it with a needle, and used the drawn blood on an HIV testing kit.

Victim Left in Tears and Shock

After the traumatic incident, the young girl was left crying and visibly shaken. She was later approached by two men who noticed her distress. Upon explaining what had happened, the men escorted her home and informed her father of the assault.

A police report was swiftly filed, leading to the arrest of Mavis Sibanda.

Public Backlash Over Light Sentence

Following the court’s decision to hand down a 24-month prison sentence, Zimbabweans have taken to social media and community forums to express their dismay.

Many argue that the punishment does not match the gravity of the offence, especially considering the trauma inflicted on the young girl. Some have called for harsher penalties in cases involving minors and bodily harm.

Here are some of the reactions:

@migroltd;

They must sentence her according to the age of the child, kuti dai vakamuuraya mwana iye ne infection she would have stolen makore emwna iyeye…

@tan_yaarr_

Haa 24 dzidzoshoma , munhu aitoitwa sacrifice zvee. More justice for the boy

@t_u_k_a_z:

24 years is justice not 24 months what if the child had been infected with HIV ? That would have taken his future kaa

@maka_lyn86:

24 months hadziite dzishoma hadzo