A 21-year-old woman looking for work was brutally gang-raped and robbed in central Harare, Zimbabwe, after being lured by two men pretending to be job recruiters.
The woman was contacted by someone who called himself “Anthony,” informing her that she had been selected for an accountant role. They agreed to meet around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Robson Manyika and Angwa Street in Harare’s central business district.
According to the police statement, upon arrival, the woman encountered two men waiting in a silver Honda Fit. She entered the car and sat next to Anthony, unaware of their malicious intentions. Under the guise of discussing the job opportunity further, Anthony directed his accomplice to drive toward Chitungwiza.
Once on Seke Road, the suspects became violent. They stole the woman’s iPhone and the US$2 she carried, then took turns sexually assaulting her inside the vehicle without protection. After the attack, they left her stranded by the roadside and fled the scene.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident. “Police are investigating a rape and robbery case. The complainant was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical examinations,” he said. No arrests had been reported at the time of this account.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since cautioned job seekers to exercise increased caution when responding to job advertisements, particularly those received through unsolicited messages or informal platforms. Authorities emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of job interviews and urged the public to report any suspicious offers to the police immediately.
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