TWO men from Bulawayo who robbed a hooker and her client at gun point before raping the woman have been sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison. Magistrate Ms Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze sentenced Sydney Dube (43) of Lobengula West suburb to 28 years in prison and Praymore Mpofu (21) of Old Magwegwe suburb to 12 years in jail.

The court heard how Dube, who was armed with a rifle with eight bullets and Mpofu who was wielding a military bayonet, robbed the couple of their cellphones, plates and clothes that they were wearing. Dube violently pulled the woman to a secluded place inside Ntshamathe Primary school grounds and raped her twice without protection.

Dube and Mpofu appeared before magistrate Ms Msipa-Marondedze facing a charge of robbery. Dube was also facing a rape count. The pair pleaded guilty.

“I’m surprised with everything. I don`t know what was on my mind when l committed these offences,” said Dube. Mpofu told the court that he committed the crime when he was drunk.

Ms Msipa-Marondedze sentenced Dube to 28 years in prison but suspended seven years on condition that he does not commit a similar crime. “You’re sentenced to 16 years in prison for raping a woman. I considered that you are a first offender and you pleaded guilty. I suspended four years for five years and this means you will serve an effective 12 years for rape,” said Ms Msipa-Marondedze.

“On a robbery charge, you are sentenced to 12 years in prison but three years is suspended for three years. Therefore you will serve an effective 21 years for robbery and rape.” The magistrate sentenced Mpofu to 12 years in prison for robbing the couple but suspended six years for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar crime.

In sentencing the pair, Ms Msipa-Marondedze said robbery and rape are very serious offences and their prevalence in present day society was worrying.