Police have launched investigations following two separate incidents of s@xual assault that occurred on Saturday at Granville Cemetery, involving two women attacked under similar circumstances.
In the first case, an 18-year-old woman was walking with her boyfriend around 8 PM when they were confronted by two unidentified men.
The suspects reportedly demanded their national identity cards before assaulting the boyfriend and forcing him to sit down. One of the attackers then dragged the young woman onto a grave, where both men allegedly took turns s@xually assaulting her without protection.
After the ordeal, the victim was struck on the head with an object and lost consciousness.
She later regained consciousness and, along with her partner, reported the incident to ZRP Southlea Park.
In a second, separate incident that occurred later the same night, a 26-year-old woman was walking alone to Boka around 11 PM when she too was attacked by two men.
She had reportedly left home on foot, leaving behind her seven-month-old baby. The suspects are said to have overpowered her, undressed her, and s@xually assaulted her one after the other on top of a grave. The victim passed out during the attack.
Both victims were referred to the Edith Opperman Clinic for medical assessment.
Confirming the incidents, Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said investigations are ongoing.
“We are handling two s@xual assault cases that took place on the same day and at the same location involving two women who were attacked by the same suspects,” said Inspector Chakanza.
He urged the public to exercise caution and avoid travelling through secluded areas at night.
“We want to assure the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.
