Dorothy Sithole
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
A 65-YEAR-OLD man from Northend suburb in Bulawayo has been convicted of indecent assault and sentenced to perform 420 hours of community service after kissing and fondling his lover’s 14-year-old daughter on two separate occasions.
Rodney Manzini appeared for sentencing before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Barbra Phiri, who sentenced him to 18 months and suspended six months on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within a period of five years.
The remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 420 hours of community service.
In sentencing him, the magistrate told the court that the age difference between the offender and the complainant was significant.
“The minor viewed the offender as her father since he was in love with her mother, but he betrayed that trust and sexually abused her.
“The offender is an elderly man of better means, while the complainant is of humble financial status. As such, the offender took advantage of the minor to sexually assault her,” said Ms Phiri.
Prosecutor, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that in October 2024, the victim went to Manzini’s residence to collect meat from his refrigerator.
“While there, Manzini grabbed her and forced his tongue into her mouth, kissing her without her consent.
“In March 2026, the complainant again visited the accused’s home to see her mother. She was instructed to finish cooking in the kitchen. Manzini followed her and fondled her buttocks twice, again without her consent,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Bongani Ndlovu