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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A 19-year-old man’s desire to rape a 63-year-old vendor he pounced on while she was relieving herself along Mukuvisi River in Harare was spoiled after he failed to penetrate. Leonard Jambaya then examined the granny’s private parts to establish why he could not rape her before stealing her $30.

The 63-year-old spotted him the following day in Mbare and alerted the police. He pleaded not guilty to attempted rape and robbery charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Adonia Masawi. Jambaya was convicted due to overwhelming evidence against him and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Mr Masawi suspended half of the sentence for five years on condition of good behaviour. He will serve an effective one year and eight months in prison.

Prosecutor Mr Liberty Gono told the court that on May 28 this year, the 63-year-old finished selling her wares and packed her things before joining others on their way home. She then decided to relieve herself in a bush near Mukuvisi River. Immediately Jambaya appeared and grabbed her. He drew a knife and ordered the woman to strip.

Fearing for her life the 63-year-old woman stripped and was ordered to lie down. Jambaya tried to rape the woman, but failed to penetrate her. He then asked the woman why her privates were too small and ordered her to open her legs wide so that he could examine her. After the foiled rape Jambaya stole her $30 and ordered her to remain on the scene while he took off.

The woman later dressed and proceeded to the city centre where she told her son about the incident. She reported the matter to the police and the following day she spotted Jambaya in Mbare.