A Chinhoyi University of Technology student was allegedly raped after a convicted prisoner escaped from a work detail near student accommodation.
Takudzwa Makunda, 24, was serving a prison sentence for stealing a mobile phone. He comes from Mbona in Murombedzi.
Makunda was also facing separate allegations involving rape and robbery in Mhondoro. Despite those pending charges, authorities assigned him to work at CUT.
The assignment took place on 29 September 2026 at the university’s 34-room hotel. Prisoners reportedly provide unpaid labour through an established work programme.
Makunda reportedly escaped while performing his duties at the facility. He allegedly committed another robbery and raped a CUT student that same day.
Prisoner allegedly targeted CUT student
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack have raised questions about Makunda’s deployment.
An internal police memo reportedly documented the incident. The memo was seen by ZimLive.
“He went on to commit robbery and rape on a CUT student the same day,” according to the memo.
The alleged attack happened after Makunda left the university work site. Authorities have not publicly detailed how he gained access to the student.
Questions surround university work placement
The case has also raised concerns about the screening of prisoners assigned to external work programmes.
Makunda was already serving time for a theft conviction. He also had pending rape and robbery allegations.
However, authorities reportedly placed him at a university accommodation facility. The reasons behind that decision remain unclear.
It is also unclear what security measures were in place during the prisoner’s work assignment.
The alleged incident has therefore placed renewed focus on prisoner work programmes. It also raises questions about protecting students around such facilities.
Authorities have yet to publicly explain how Makunda was selected for the assignment. They have also not detailed the circumstances surrounding his escape.
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