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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Police have launched a manhunt for a gang of suspected rapists who are on the prowl in Chief Charumbira’s area in Masvingo. Some female pupils have since abandoned school in fear of the gang.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said her office was inundated with complaints from rape victims. She said they had deployed details to look for the suspects.

“So far we have arrested one suspect who is assisting detectives with investigations. He will appear in court soon to answer charges of rape and armed robbery. The suspected rapists, whom we believe to be a gang, operate around the clock. Some girls have stopped attending school in fear of these notorious suspects,” said Insp Mazula.

Insp Mazula declined to disclose the identity of the arrested man, fearing it would jeopardise investigations. She said the gang was using an assortment of weapons to intimidate their victims.

A villager at Nemamwa Growth Point said one suspect was apprehended by a mob, but escaped. She said the suspect had waylaid a woman whom he allegedly raped.

“We apprehended one suspect at Nemamwa Growth Point last week, but the man overpowered us and disappeared,” said the villager.

“However, he was struck on the forehead with a catapult and was left with a deep wound. The rapists seem to be many because I also heard that some girls from Chirichoga High School had been rescued from the rapists by male teachers.”