adminChipinge Correspondent
A 30-YEAR-OLD Chipinge married man was arrested for indecently assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
Ropafadzo Sigauke of Mabeure Village under Chief Mapungwana’s area pleaded guilty to indecent assault charges as defined in Section 67 (1)(a)(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act), Chapter 9.23.
He appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo on Monday.
During mitigation, Sigauke prayed for leniency, saying he was drunk when he committed the offence.
“Your Worship, I am praying for forgiveness because I was under the influence of alcohol when I committed the offence. I have never done this in my life,” said Sigauke
Representing the State, Mrs Edith Phiri, said on March 16, at around 8pm at Mupasha homestead, Sigauke called the complainant to bring him some maize cobs in his bedroom.
“Upon entering into the bedroom, Sigauke asked the complainant to sit on his legs, but the complainant refused.
“Sigauke grabbed the complainant’s hand, forced her to sit on his legs and fondled her breasts. The complainant screamed for help.
“The family’s gardener, Phillip Sithole heard the complainant screaming and got out of his room. He shouted the complainant’s name and that is when Sigauke set her free,” said Mrs Phiri.
She added: “The complainant got out of room and told her brother what had transpired. A report was made to the police leading to Sigauke’s arrest.”
Judgement was yet to be delivered at the time of going to Press.
Online Reporter