Fears mount as Matopo rapist still at large 

Prestige Muntanga

MATOPO villagers are living in perpetual fear of a rapist who has been terrorising women since March of this year.

So far two women of Silobini and Ntunjambili respectively, have fallen victim to the alleged rapist named Nqabutho. Another two were fortunate to escaped the rapist who is still on the loose during attempted rape situations.

The cases were reported to the police in March this year. However, villagers are irked by the fact that Nqabutho, the alleged rapist has not yet been brought to book.

“I was in Matopo on Friday for a funeral and elders were informing me that they are worried about Nqabutho who has been terrorizing women in their communities.

 Police have tried to locate him but to no avail. What is annoying is that Nqabutho’s mother is protecting him and is allegedly threatening to bewitch anyone who will notify the police about his whereabouts,” said Silisiwe Mabaleka, a gender activist.

Villagers who spoke to Community Podium said the lives of women in the area were in danger. 

“Women and young girls are now afraid to go and fetch firewood because of the threat posed by this man. Schools are opening soon and our children will not be safe as long as Nqabutho is still at large. This issue needs to be addressed urgently because many women are in danger,” said a woman from Silobini.

Matabeleland North Provincial Police Spokesperson Loveness Mangena was not reachable for comment as she was not picking up her phone.