Zim Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Rape and Robbery

A 32-year-old Zimbabwean national, Itai Ndlovu, was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on Tuesday by Broadhurst Principal Magistrate Gorata Moremi-Ramakoloi for rape and robbery committed in May 2022.

Delivering her ruling, Principal Magistrate Moremi-Ramakoloi described rape and robbery as among the most severe crimes in Botswana. She emphasized that rape is not merely a sexual act, but a violent abuse of power that degrades and violates the victim’s dignity, bodily integrity, and privacy.

“The Constitution prioritises these rights, especially the protection of women,” she said.

The court found that instead of appreciating his status as a guest in Botswana, Ndlovu violated the laws of the country and the trust of its citizens by raping one complainant and robbing another.

Principal Magistrate Moremi-Ramakoloi noted that Botswana’s courts have historically been lenient in sentencing illegal immigrants—mostly Zimbabweans—who contravene the Immigration Act. Many cite dire economic and political conditions as reasons for entering Botswana through ungazetted points of entry.

In his plea for mitigation, Ndlovu submitted that he had been in custody for a long time, was unfamiliar with legal procedures, had cooperated during trial, and was the sole provider for his three children. He also claimed he may be suitable for rehabilitation.

However, the magistrate was unconvinced.

“The accused only accepted guilt because of the court’s findings, not from personal responsibility. He does not appreciate the impact of his actions on the victims,” she said.

The sentence reflects a growing judicial resolve to treat crimes of sexual violence and robbery with the seriousness they deserve—regardless of nationality or mitigating pleas.