Fake employment agent jailed 80 years for rape

By Auther Chimbgwa

A fake employment agent, who lured his victims through false job promises before blindfolding and subjecting them to violent rape ordeals, has been sentenced to 80 years imprisonment.

Aaron Sanyamahwe (36), who resides in Unit N, Seke, Chitungwiza, was handed 20-year jail terms each for four counts of rape.

The jail terms, a Chitungwiza regional magistrates’ court ruled, will run consecutively.

“The offender targeted vulnerable young women seeking employment, posing as fake “ employment agent” to gain their trust.

“He lured victims with false job offers before leading them to secluded locations, where he subjected them to rape,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said on their X handle.

Sanyamahwe, according to prosecutors, would then blindfold and force his victims to places where he would “strangulate and subject them to violent sexual assault”.

The NPAZ said the tough sentence would send a clear message that sexual violence will be punished severely and further warned job seekers to be more mindful of potential exploitation.

“It also highlights the importance of vigilance among job-seekers and the devastating impact of such crimes on survivors,” said NPAZ.