Mhondoro Man Sentenced For Raping His Own Mother-In-Law

Zimbabwe Man Jailed For 15 Years After Raping Mother-In-Law

A Mhondoro man has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for a horrific attack. The court found him guilty of raping his 56-year-old mother-in-law in her own bedroom. Shockingly, the assault occurred in front of the victim’s 94-year-old mother.

Walter Maponga, aged 37, from Mandaza Village, was convicted of rape and assault by Harare regional magistrate Jessie Kufa. The State, led by prosecutor Blessed Songozo, presented a case that magistrate Kufa described as a proven prima facie.

A Night Of Terror In Makoni Village

According to the court proceedings, the traumatic incident took place on 17 September 2025 in Makoni Village, Mhondoro. The complainant was in her bedroom with her elderly mother when Maponga forcibly broke into the room.

The prosecution detailed how Maponga immediately began assaulting the woman. He demanded sex while accusing her of being responsible for his marital problems. Blessed Songozo outlined the events for the court.

“Upon entering the room, Maponga started assaulting the complainant, demanding to have sex with her while accusing her of taking away his wife from him,” the State proved.

The court heard that Maponga then forced the victim to the ground.

Rescued By Neighbours

The State’s case showed that the assault continued until two neighbours intervened. The attack only ended when Godfrey Makoni and Cleopas Nziramasanga came to the victim’s aid. They managed to rescue the woman and apprehend Maponga on the spot.

Magistrate Jessie Kufa, in delivering the verdict, emphasised the strength of the evidence presented.

Ms Kufa said, “The State had managed to prove a prima facie case against Maponga.”

This successful prosecution led directly to the 15-year prison sentence.

Community Shocked By Crime

The nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through the rural Mhondoro community. The breach of family trust and the presence of the victim’s own mother during the attack have been cited as particularly aggravating factors. The swift action of the two neighbours, Makoni and Nziramasanga, was crucial in ensuring the perpetrator was caught immediately and held for authorities.