Judith Nyuke
HARARE – A Harare man is fighting for his life after allegedly being attacked by a sex worker and five accomplices following a dispute over a US$5 service charge.
Portia Nyarai, 34, and Liberty Gumbo, 22, appeared before Harare Magistrate Apollonia Marutya on robbery charges. They were remanded in custody pending a bail application.
According to court papers, on February 3, 2025, at around 2:30 a.m., the complainant hired Nyarai at Big Apple Night Club in Harare’s central business district for $5. After consenting to s£xual intercourse, Nyarai reportedly accused the complainant of stealing her belongings.
Nyarai’s screams reportedly drew Gumbo and four unknown male accomplices, who attacked the complainant with stones and a homemade hammer, striking him multiple times. One blow to the back of his head caused him to collapse.
It is alleged that Nyarai then stole the complainant’s cellphone before fleeing the scene with her accomplices, leaving the victim gravely injured.
Good Samaritans assisted the complainant, who reported the incident to the police and was referred to a hospital for treatment. The total value of stolen property was $150, which has not been recovered.
The case continues as police investigate the involvement of the other accomplices.