Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A man who failed to control his sexual urges, fondling a minor’s breasts and touching her private parts, will serve 15 years in jail.
Trust Mapapiro (47) from Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb faced aggravated indecent assault charges at the Western Commonage court and pleaded not guilty.
However, due to overwhelming evidence, Western Commonage regional magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze found him guilty and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment.
Two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, and a further three years were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within five years.
In passing sentence, the magistrate stated that the convict betrayed the trust the victim’s parents had placed in him and displayed abhorrent behaviour by sexually assaulting the 11-year-old girl who was helping his daughter with homework.
The victim’s mother, representing her in court, stated that the incident left the minor traumatised and that her school performance had declined.
The magistrate further commented that the man did not behave like a father figure in the community and that this would, to a certain degree, make other members of society view men with mistrust.
The court heard that the incident occurred on 16 October 2024. The victim had been asked by the man’s daughter, who was in Grade Three at the time, to help her with her homework. The victim went to the perpetrator’s home where he found the minor with her father.
While she was helping her with the homework, the court heard that his minor daughter fell asleep. It was at this time that the man grabbed the victim, fondled her breasts, and then inserted his fingers into her private parts.
He repeatedly carried out this sickening attack before releasing her.
The minor left for home and, upon arrival, told her mother about the ordeal. The incident was reported to the police, leading to the man’s arrest.
Peter Tanyanyiwa