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Amanda Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
A 60-year-old headmaster from Singeni Primary School in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North, who appeared in court for allegedly fondling two female Grade Five pupils’ private parts while searching their pockets for wild fruits has been acquitted after the State failed to provide adequate evidence.
The headmaster, Charles Ndlovu (60) appeared before Nkayi magistrate Mr Temba Chimiso facing charges of indecent assault on Tuesday. Mr Chimiso acquitted Ndlovu and said the State failed to prove that Ndlovu indeed indecently assaulted the pupils.
“Ndlovu said he was only searching for a stolen pen and wild fruits hence it becomes difficult to draw a line between proper search and indecent assault,” said Mr Chimiso.
Prosecuting, Mr Lister Hove, said the two girls were late for assembly and when they arrived they were summoned by the headmaster.
It was the State’s case that when the headmaster asked the pupils where they had been, they told him that they were fetching wild fruits (ubhunzu).
The court heard that the headmaster started searching the two girls’ pockets and in the process fondled their private parts.
The pupils, the court heard, reported the matter to one of their teachers who then made a report to the police leading to the arrest of Ndlovu.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu