80 Years In Jail For Fake Employment Agent Who Preyed On Female Job Seekers

A Chitungwiza man who pretended to be a job placement agent and raped desperate young women looking for employment has been jailed for 80 years.

Aaron Sanyamahwe, aged 36, was sentenced this week by the Chitungwiza Regional Magistrates Court after being convicted on four counts of rape. Each count earned him 20 years, to be served consecutively.

“This predator took advantage of young women who were simply trying to improve their lives,” the State told the court.

Sanyamahwe, from Unit N, Seke, would pose as an employment agent and gain the trust of job seekers before subjecting them to horrific assaults.

Lured With Promises Of Jobs

The court heard that Sanyamahwe contacted victims under the pretext of offering employment. Once he gained their trust, he would invite them for “interviews”.

“He took them to secluded places in Dema, blindfolded them, moved them to another location, strangled and raped them,” said prosecutors.

Some of the victims were so traumatised they could not return to their families immediately.

“The assaults were violent and calculated,” said the State.

He carried out the attacks on different occasions, using the same method to trap his victims. Prosecutors said he deliberately chose isolated areas where he could not be interrupted.

Court Delivers Heavy Sentence

The sentence — 80 years behind bars — was delivered on 11 June 2025.

“The jail term sends a clear message that sexual violence will be met with the full force of the law,” said the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) in a statement following the sentencing.

“We urge all job seekers to remain vigilant and never place their trust in strangers,” the NPA added.

The case has sparked renewed warnings to the public, especially young women, to be cautious when approached with unsolicited job offers.

Victims Still Traumatised

According to court documents, the survivors are still dealing with the psychological impact.

“He ruined our lives. We just wanted to work and help our families,” said one victim, whose identity is protected.

Sanyamahwe will now serve his 80-year sentence without the option of parole. In Zimbabwe, rape carries a mandatory minimum sentence, but in this case, the court opted for the harshest possible punishment.

“This is justice for the victims. The court has spoken,” concluded the prosecution.

His victims, many still unemployed, now face the additional burden of healing from what the court described as “brutal, callous and deliberate” acts of violence.