adminThe Herald, March 13, 1979
A DRIVING licence examiner in the Vehicle Inspection Department, Chirayi Peter Manyema, was convicted of indecent assault when he appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
The complainant, a 16-year-old European girl, told the court that in the course of his examination of her driving knowledge in his office, Manyema had put his arm around her breast.
The incident distressed her, she said, and she told her father, who contacted the Police. Manyema, who pleaded not guilty, said he thought the complainant and her father were prejudiced against him because he was an African.
The Magistrate Mr W.T. Smith, rejected this view and said he thought Manyema had taken advantage of his position as an examiner and had not exercised enough care he said.
He thought a witness should be present when African officials were examining young girls.
He fined Manyema $75 (or 25 days) and sentenced him to two months’ imprisonment, suspended for three years on conditions.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Indecent assault is a form of sexual assault that does not involve rape. In some common law-based jurisdictions, it is treated as an offence of aggravated assault.
It is characterised as a sex crime and has significant overlap with offences referred to as sexual assault.
People in positions of privilege, especially public officials, should not abuse their positions by taking advantage of the people they are supposed to offer services to, especially girls and women.
Sexual assault is a serious offence that can land one in a lot of trouble, even in prison.
Sexual assault cases are on the rise worldwide, which calls for greater actions that protect women and girls.
Online Reporter