Landlord Locks Female Tenant In Her Room For Turning Him Down

A 53-year-old Bulawayo landlord who locked his female tenant in her room after she turned down his approaches was found guilty of abduction and given a community service sentence.

The event took place on the evening of February 5, 2025, when Esau Sibanda went to the home of his 36-year-old tenant, Mrs. Estel Mwembe. The issue worsened when Sibanda, who had been harboring improper intentions, requested s3x favors from Mrs. Mwembe, who adamantly refused.

Sibanda was enraged by her rejection and asked that Mrs. Mwembe pay the previous month’s rent. Fearful for her safety, she fled to her room, but Sibanda closed the door from the outside, keeping her within. For more than 12 hours, she was confined to her home, unable to seek help.

It wasn’t until the next morning, at 11 a.m., that worried neighbors noticed her disappearance and raised the alarm. Their prompt involvement resulted in her rescue, and Sibanda was eventually arrested.

Sibanda entered a guilty plea to the counts of kidnapping and illicit drug possession during the court hearings. Ms. Skhetile Moyo, the Western Commonage magistrate overseeing the case, gave him a 16-month prison sentence.

On the condition that he did not commit a similar offense during that time, four months of the sentence was suspended for five years. The prosecutor contended that Sibanda had coerced and intimidated Mrs. Mwembe by abusing his power as a landlord. According to the prosecutor, “such behavior not only violated the tenant’s rights but also undermined the trust that should exist between landlords and tenants.”

The remaining 12 months of his sentence were also deferred, providing he completed 560 hours of community service at the Njube Police Station. The court determined that this punishment will serve as both rehabilitation for the offender and a mechanism for him to positively contribute to society.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli