A WOMAN who survived a violent rape in Hatfield has encouraged other victims of sexual offences to report crimes to police, saying the support she received thr...
A WOMAN who survived a violent rape in Hatfield has encouraged other victims of sexual offences to report crimes to police, saying the support she received throughout the investigation and court process helped her achieve justice.
Her comments came after Tapiwanashe Sibanda, 27, formerly of Richards Street in Hatfield, was sentenced to nine years and 10 months in prison at St Albans Crown Court on June 5. He was convicted of rape, robbery and multiple breaches of a Sexual Risk Order following a trial held in November last year.
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Speaking after the sentencing, the woman urged other victims and survivors not to suffer in silence.
“You’re not alone,” she said.
“If something like this has happened to you, simply report it to law enforcement. I had very mixed feelings about the case, but the care and support I received was something I’ll never regret.”
She said police and support services remained in constant contact throughout the investigation and trial process.
“I felt cared for. I was offered psychological help, I was in constant contact with the police, they called me and asked about my well-being, and during the trial, I was guaranteed complete anonymity,” she said.
The court heard that in August 2020, Sibanda invited the woman, a sex worker, to a street near his home in Hatfield. After dark, he took her to a secluded area of Ellenbrook Park where he repeatedly raped her while threatening her with a concealed weapon.
Following the attack, Sibanda robbed the woman of her mobile phone before she managed to escape. Distressed and seeking help, she was seen running from the area by a passerby who stopped to assist her and alerted police.
Detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team launched an investigation and later traced and arrested Sibanda. During police interviews, he claimed that the sexual encounter had been consensual.
Investigators worked closely with Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and other support services to assist the victim and build the case against Sibanda. Police also secured a Sexual Risk Order against him, imposing restrictions on his contact with women while the investigation was ongoing.
The court found Sibanda guilty and sentenced him to nine years and 10 months in prison. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will place him under police monitoring after his release. In addition, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.
During sentencing, Judge Andrew Johnson described the impact of Sibanda’s crimes as “immense” and said he posed a risk of “causing serious harm to women.”
The judge also praised the police investigation, stating: “The response of the police demonstrates that the authorities will properly investigate allegations of rape whoever they are made by.”
Detective Constable Jon Holmes said the victim had shown remarkable courage throughout the case.
“My first thoughts are with the victim, who endured a terrible ordeal no one should face. With support from specialist officers, she saw this case through, and I commend her courage and determination to achieve justice and help keep our communities safe,” he said.
DC Holmes also thanked the member of the public who assisted the victim and encouraged victims of sexual offences, including those within the sex worker community, to report crimes to police.
“We will listen, take you seriously, offer support, and ensure your wishes remain central throughout the investigation to hold those who abuse or commit violence against others to account for their actions,” he said.
He added that sexual offending remains a serious crime and warned that police would continue to investigate such offences thoroughly and pursue offenders through the courts.
