adminMidlands Bureau
THE trial of a Chinese national who twice in January fondled the behinds of a female workmate failed to kick-off yesterday after the accused man claimed he could not speak English or any of the local languages.
But Zhou Zhengling, 25, an engineer with Jinan Corporation in Gweru’s Heavy Industrial Site, was seen chatting with some friends who included his lawyer, Debra Shirichena, a Zimbabwean national, outside the courts.
An interpreter who could speak Chinese could not be found.
The court was forced to remand the matter to 29 April, hoping that by then a Chinese interpreter would have been found.
Bernard Nyoni said on 14 January at around 7.25PM, the complainant, Concillia Ashley Zvamano, 20, who at that time was employed by Jinan Corporation, was carrying out her duties in the control room.
Zhengling approached Zvamano and fondled her behind while at the same time greeting her. Nyoni said the complainant cautioned the accused not to act in that manner.
He said at that time, another Chinese international known only as Litsnong, encouraged Zhengling to continue fondling Zvamano’s behind.
Zvamano was pissed off and made a report of indecent assault at Mkoba Police Station on 15 January.
Nyoni said the police told Zvamano and the accused person to resolve the matter amicably as workmates.
The complainant was not happy with the decision and she officially filed another report on March 8 leading to the arrest of Zhengling.
Online Reporter