Sexual predator sentenced to 23 years

John Hope Muchirahondo, a 39-year-old from Christchurch, was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of 10 years in the High Court at Christchurch today.

He was found guilty last year of 11 counts of rape, six counts of sexual violation, and one count of not providing access to a cellphone, following a two-month trial.

The charges stemmed from attacks on nine women over a decade, with some offenses occurring while victims were unconscious, intoxicated, or asleep.

The jury also acquitted him on eight charges and could not reach a verdict on five others.

Justice Lisa Preston described Muchirahondo’s offending as demonstrating a “high sense of entitlement” and a “near total disregard for a woman’s right to consent.” She noted that he recorded graphic images of some assaults as “trophies” and attempted to block police access to his cellphone, where evidence was later found.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves was satisfied with the sentencing.

She praised their “enormous strength, courage, and composure” in court, saying, “We believe you, we have always believed you, this was never your fault and you are not alone.”

She encouraged other victims of sexual assault to come forward, assuring them of respectful treatment and serious investigation by police.