A RAPIST who deliberately gave a woman HIV is believed to be hiding in Zimbabwe.

Brian Tatenda Shayanowako, of Lower Adelaide Street, Northampton, is wanted by detectives after failing to appear for a sentencing hearing where he was imprisoned for a total of 12 years.

The 54-year-old was convicted by jury and sentenced in his absence of one count of rape after failing to appear for his trial, which concluded at Aylesbury Crown Court on August 19.

Thames Valley Police issued a warrant for his arrest following the conviction. Now detectives are expanding their search to Africa.

A police spokeswoman said Shayanowako is believed to have fled to Zimbabwe and officers are liaising with international authorities to locate him.

She added: “Our inquiries are continuing and we are still attempting to locate him.” Shayanowako also pleaded guilty to a count of recklessly wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm during the trial.

While Shayanowako was living in Slough, in 2002, he poured boiling water over a woman, scalding her chest and abdomen. During 2003 he raped the same victim.

Shayanowako also admitted having unprotected intercourse with his victim in Milton Keynes, between 2006 and 2010, and pleaded guilty to GBH.

Detective Constable Charlotte McDonald, investigating officer, speaking following the hearing, said: “We do not seek to criminalise those who live with HIV and we work closely with our partner agencies to ensure people are appropriately supported. However this was a case in which someone has admitted recklessly transmitting HIV to another person.

“These are very serious offences and these convictions send out a message that if you are victim of these kinds of offences, the police will listen to you and we will deal the matter with the upmost sensitivity.” Shayanowako came to the UK in 2001 and has since lived in Slough and Milton Keynes, in addition to Northampton.

If you any information about Shayanowako’s whereabouts, contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.