John Hope Muchirahondo has been convicted on 17 charges of sexual violation, including rape and sexual assault, by the High Court in Christchurch.

The verdict was delivered after a lengthy jury deliberation process.

He was found guilty of offences against eight women.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said “I would like to acknowledge the significant bravery and strength shown by the many complainants in this case.

“Sharing their experiences with police and throughout the judicial process has required grit and courage.

“They have had their memories attacked and attempts made to discredit their account.

“They have withstood the challenges and their voices heard.

“They should be incredibly proud of their actions and I hope these verdicts bring some measure of peace and closure.

“I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism and tenacity of the investigation team and Crown prosecutors, and thank them for their tireless work on this case.

“And finally, I would like to thank the members of the jury, for their careful attention and deliberations throughout this trial.

“The New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (Ministry of Justice, 2023) findings estimate that more than one in three New Zealand women experience one or more incidents of sexual assault in their lifetime.

I encourage any person who would like some advice or would like to report a sexual assault to contact police.”

Support for Sexual Harm Survivors

If you are in immediate danger or feel that someone else is at risk, dial 111 for emergency assistance.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault or abuse and need support, you can reach out to Safe to Talk for confidential help 24/7:
– Call 0800 044 334
– Text 4334
– Email [email protected]
– Visit safetotalk.nz for more information or to use the web chat feature.

You can also contact your nearest police station for assistance—click here for a directory of locations.