A Zimbabwean woman fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa was allegedly raped by a man who had offered to help her after all her belongings were stolen on Saturday.
The woman, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, had her luggage stolen by a courier who assists undocumented people to cross the border. The suspect was identified in court only as Jonah.
After discovering the theft, she approached Trust Musoni, 24, at Beitbridge Bus Terminus on 4 July 2026. Musoni offered to help her find Jonah, who was said to be near the Zimparks crossing point along the Limpopo River.
Prosecutor Olivia Chamutinya told Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Charity Maposa that Musoni instead took the woman to the bush area near Zimparks, where he allegedly raped her. The court heard that he kissed her on the cheek and demanded sex. When she refused, they struggled, and he overpowered her.
Afterwards, Musoni took the woman to his home, fearing she would report him to the police if he left her alone. He allegedly raped her again at his residence.
She later told him she needed to change her skirt. At the bus rank, she asked him to wait while she looked for one, then used the opportunity to tell someone about the assault. That person referred her to the police, leading to Musoni’s arrest.
Musoni appeared in court this week, facing more than one count of rape. In his defence, he claimed the sexual intercourse was consensual and that a dispute arose after he gave her R100 and she demanded R200.
He was remanded in custody to 23 July for trial.
Musoni was recently convicted of domestic violence. On 17 June 2026, Beitbridge Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni sentenced him to 175 hours of community service.
More: Masvingo Mirror
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