A 22-YEAR-OLD Zimbabwean woman based in South Africa was allegedly gang raped by 11 Tanzanians while coming from work last week.

The incident occurred in Johannesburg and the Zimbabwean Embassy is investigating the sexual assault. The woman’s identity has been withheld for ethical reasons.

Zimbabwe Consul-General in South Africa Mr Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro said his team was on the ground to establish what really occurred. He said the woman was sexually violated while coming from work.

Mr Mukonoweshuro said the woman was working at a tavern that closes very late at night or in the early morning hours. He said 11 Tanzanians could have ganged on her as she was heading home. The Consul-General could not reveal whether the rapists had been arrested. Mr Mukonoweshuro urged Zimbabweans to be alert while travelling at night saying Johannesburg was a very dangerous city.

“There has always been violence especially in Johannesburg and we urge people to take extra care. Therefore, it is always advisable that people should secure their travel because there are those criminal elements who always want to take advantage of the situation,” said Mr Mukonoweshuro.

South Africa has one of the highest rape case statistics on the continent with reports suggesting that a woman or girl child is sexually violated every 26 seconds