Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A QUEENSPARK man exposed the darker side of society when he allegedly pretended to help an 11-year-old Khumalo Primary School pupil with mathematics, only to grope her moments later.
Dickson Pembedza (43) appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Vimbai Chirai facing an indecent assault charge. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to 10 December.
Prosecuting, Arnold Mudekunye said the incident happened on 14 November around 6 AM, a time when schoolchildren should feel safest as they enter their learning space.
The complainant, whose name cannot be disclosed for ethical reasons, was heading towards the school gate when Pembedza approached her and casually asked if she knew what five times five was. After she answered, he asked her to sit with him on a bench inside the school yard.
“He drew a clock face in a book and while writing more sums, he dropped some coins,” Mudekunye told the court.
Pembedza allegedly used that moment to pick up the coins before placing the book on the child’s lap, then slipping his hand under her uniform and touching her thigh.
Shaken, the young girl stood up and hurried to her classroom where she reported the matter to the school guard. Pembedza was quickly apprehended and hauled to court.
Blessing Chizhande