The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has moved to defend its decision to publish explicit details of a harrowing attempted rape case, following sharp criticism from social media users.
In a statement issued on 4 May 2025, the prosecuting authority justified its approach, arguing that the report, published on 3 May, served to expose the grim realities faced by survivors. The NPA said:
“It peels back the comfortable layers of ignorance to reveal the brutal reality faced by survivors of rape”.
The controversy erupted after an X user, identified as Chairman H.W. Chitepo, rebuked the NPA’s decision to disclose distressing details of the attack on a 52-year-old woman.
He questioned the necessity of such explicit reporting, posting: “There is no need to give a detailed account of what happened. Are you people ok upstairs?”
In response, the NPA asserted that many cases, particularly those involving young children, teenagers, and vulnerable women, are far graver, yet their details remain unpublished. Reads the statement:
We hear you and the NPAZ values your response.
The story posted on the 3rd of May 2025, peels back the comfortable layers of ignorance to reveal the brutal reality faced by survivors of rape.
They are forced to relive the horrific moment endlessly in their minds, in their interactions with others when seeking help, with law enforcement agents, and devastatingly, in the cold scrutiny of a courtroom.
Imagine the secondary trauma that survivors of rape experience when recounting the violation to neighbours, church mates, friends, family, police officers, and then facing cross-examination during trial to discredit their version of the story. This isn’t just a story; it’s a glimpse into the enduring trauma inflicted upon a survivor.
There are far worse stories than this one whose details the NPAZ does not publish. These involve young children, teenagers and women who cannot defend themselves.
If this account makes any of us uncomfortable, we need to do more to understand the profound shame, fear, and humiliation that these survivors endure within their communities, where their vulnerability is exposed often in the sanctuary of their own homes.
Our discomfort as the public is a call to action. We have a responsibility to stand in unwavering solidarity with survivors.
Let us amplify their voices, challenge the systems that enable this gratuitous violence, and unequivocally Say NO TO RAPE. It is not enough to be unsettled; we must be moved to DO MORE.
The NPA’s report, published on 3 May, which prompted a response from “Chairman H.W. Chitepo”, reads as follows:
WOMAN BRAVELY FIGHTS OFF RAPIST: HE GETS 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE
A 45 year-old man from Hoyuyu, Mutoko was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Mutoko Magistrate’s Court for attempting to rape a 52 year old woman from his village.
On the 27th of May 2022 the offender entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was sleeping alone at around 2000 hours.
He sat on the bed and the complainant greeted him assuming it was her husband who had returned home.
The complainant took a torch but before she could light it, the offender grabbed the torch from her and he entered into the complainant’s blankets naked.
The complainant became suspicious when she realized that the offender was awkwardly quiet and confronted him. The offender got on top of the complainant and tried to forcibly open her legs.
The complainant bit the offender’s finger but he was not deterred. He tore the complainant’s undergarment but failed to force her legs apart as she continued to fight back.
Eventually, the complainant managed to pull the offender’s manhood before she escaped and ran outside the house.
The offender fled the scene and left his wallet behind and a police report was made, leading to his arrest.
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