Gang rape victim demands GOAT! as compensation

It’s a crazy and insane world. But you have to believe it because it’s true.

A woman from Matobo district in Matabeleland South province who claimed to have been raped by four men while heavily intoxicated reportedly refused a cash settlement of US$40 offered by the alleged perpetrators and demanded a goat as compensation.

Her demand was based on the belief that a goat would be a more appropriate compensation for the trauma she suffered following her alleged gang rape. She claimed that according to her cultural beliefs, the goat was essential for a purification ceremony, a traditional ritual meant to restore her dignity and purity after the traumatic ordeal.

The 40-year-old woman, whose name is being withheld for legal reasons, claimed she was raped unconscious after drinking home-brewed beer with her alleged attackers at a homestead in Magadla village in Matobo. She claimed that when people woke up the next morning, they were shocked to find her naked with what looked like semen on her private parts. She also slept next to one of the alleged rapists, who also reportedly woke up naked.

This came to light when Lucky Ncube (21) and David Ndlovu were charged with rape before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Dambudzo Malunga. However, they were acquitted of the rape charge, while another accused, Musawakhe Mthunzi (21), who was released on bail, later died outside custody.

The fourth suspect, Ignatius Tshuma, is still at large. It was alleged that Ndlovu, Ncube, Musawakhe and Tshuma were drinking home-brewed beer at Japhet Mthunzi’s residence in Magadla village sometime in July 2021.

The night continued with beer drinking until around 9pm when the alleged victim arrived and joined the group. She is said to have drunk with the men until she passed out at Japhet’s property. On the night in question, Ndlovu is said to have said goodbye to the group and returned to his property. Evidence presented by the State indicated that the remaining individuals stayed overnight at Japhet’s property after being provided with blankets.

However, it was alleged that Ndlovu returned to Japhet’s compound that same night in a Nikodean manner. When people woke up the next morning, they were shocked to find the woman naked and with “semen” on her private parts. She was also sleeping next to Ndlovu, who was alleged to have “left the night before”.

When the woman woke up, she reportedly panicked and asked how she got naked and who had removed her panties and trousers. Ndlovu, who also woke up naked next to her, is said to have blamed Tshuma and Musawakhe, stating that the two took turns raping her while she was unconscious at night. The “truth” only came out when community elders confronted the suspects with the allegations of nighttime rape. In an attempt to clarify the situation, the accused offered the woman $40 in compensation to make up for their alleged actions. However, the woman rejected the offer and instead insisted that she be compensated with a goat.

Tshuma, unwilling to offer the goat as compensation, fled the scene and is still at large. The case was subsequently reported to the police, who arrested Ncube, Ndlovu and Musawakhe in connection with the rape allegations. Musawakhe was subsequently released on bail after appearing in court. He died while out of custody, leaving Ncube and Ndlovu as suspects in the case.

However, during their recent court appearance, the state concluded that the two accused were not guilty of the rape charge. During the trial, the court took into account the untimely death of one of the accused who was released on bail. The court also took into account the fact that another accused was on the run, making it difficult to find him and bring him to court. The evidence presented to the court was deemed insufficient to secure a conviction. Furthermore, both Ndlovu and Ncube vehemently denied the allegations against them and always maintained their innocence. The victim’s demand for a goat as compensation for the alleged rape also raised questions about their motives and possible involvement in the alleged crime.