Antony Chawagarira
Harare — Convicted serial rapist and robber Anymore Zvitsva has been sentenced to an effective 89 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple violent crimes before the Harare Magistrate Francis Mapfumo.
Zvitsva, 35, appeared in court to face 10 counts of rape, attempted murder, and robbery He entered guilty pleas to all charges last week, leading the court to note that his cooperation saved court time.
According to the court, Zvitsva carried out a reign of terror in Guruve, targeting women, children and vulnerable villagers** armed with machetes, knives and snare wire. The Magistrate said the accused deliberately targeted victims who had “no one to assist them”, indicating that the offences were carefully planned.
In sentencing, the court considered both mitigating and aggravating factors. The magistrate noted that Zvitsva is a father of two children, aged 11 and 12, who are currently living with their mother. However, the court said Zvitsva is not a first-time offender, having previously served a 48-month prison sentence.
The court also heard disturbing details of specific incidents, including allegations that Zvitsva raped:
– A 62-year-old woman after attacking her near a community borehole.
– A 10-year-old girl after tying her with shoelaces.
– A 10-year-old boy, with the prosecution alleging he was stabbed multiple times after raping the child’s mother.
In other cases presented, Zvitsva was also accused of attacking victims, leaving some for dead, and committing robbery—such as allegedly hitting a man with a machete and stealing cigarettes and a soft drink.
Sentences per count
Zvitsva received the following sentences:
– Count 1: 20 years
– Count 2: 7 years (Counts 1 and 2 run concurrently)
– Count 3:12 years
– Count 4:7 years
– Count 5: 10 years (Counts 4 and 5 run concurrently)
– Count 6:7 years
– Count 7:20 years
– Count 8:7 years (Counts 7 and 8 run concurrently)
– Count 9: 20 years
– Count 10: 20 years(Counts 9 and 10 run concurrently)
During the sentencing proceedings, the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, was present in court.
Zvitsva is further reported to be separately facing 14 murder charges*, linked to killings that terrorised communities in Guruve between late 2025 and early 2026.
