A notorious criminal who terrorized Harare’s Glenview area has been sentenced to 85 years in prison. Crispen Bonda, 35, faced numerous charges, including rape, robbery, and unlawful entry, before Harare Magistrate Clever Tsikwa.
Crimes and Conviction
Bonda initially appeared in court facing 30 counts. Of these, 15 were withdrawn before plea, and four were withdrawn after plea. Last week, he was convicted and sentenced to a total of 85 years in prison, with 10 years suspended for good behavior and two years running concurrently with other sentences. This results in an effective 73-year prison term.
Prosecutor Tendai Tapi described one harrowing incident from December 27, 2021. Armed with an iron bar, knife, screwdriver, and torch, Bonda attacked a 43-year-old woman walking home. Pretending to escort her, he led her to a wooded area near Churu Farm, where he assaulted and raped her. The woman later discovered she was pregnant but chose not to terminate the pregnancy due to health concerns and religious beliefs.
Patterns of Terror
Bonda’s criminal activities spanned nearly five years, during which he victimized numerous women and minors. His youngest victim was just 10 years old. His reign of terror left a lasting impact on the Glenview community.
In another incident, the 43-year-old victim reported the rape to the police in March 2022 after discovering her pregnancy. Despite police advice to terminate the pregnancy, she refused, citing potential complications and religious prohibitions.
Bonda’s conviction brings a sense of justice and relief to the victims and the community. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and serves as a warning to other potential offenders.
The case highlights the importance of addressing sexual violence and supporting victims in their pursuit of justice. It also underscores the need for continuous efforts to ensure the safety and security of communities.
Source: New Zimbabwe
