Online Reporter
Getrude Manyande, [email protected]
A 20-year-old Bulawayo pirate taxi driver who fondled and kissed a 14-year-old passenger has been ordered to perform community service after being convicted of indecent assault.
Julius Tsepo of Sizinda suburb was convicted of indecent assault by Bulawayo magistrate Ms Pride Muchembere.
He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with two months suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
The remaining four months were suspended on condition that he performs 140 hours of community service.
Prosecuting, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that on 3 September at about 4pm, the complainant boarded Tsepo’s Honda Fit together with five other passengers travelling to their respective homes.
The court heard that after the other passengers had disembarked, Tsepo began making romantic advances towards the complainant, which she rejected.
“When all other passengers had disembarked, the accused person started proposing love to the complainant, but she refused,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Tsepo allegedly stopped the vehicle at the complainant’s bus stop before fondling her breast and kissing her.
The court heard that he sped away after being confronted by the complainant’s neighbours.
“The accused drove away from the scene of the crime at very high speed after being confronted by the complainant’s neighbours,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Police officers manning a roadblock along the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road were alerted and intercepted Tsepo’s vehicle, leading to his arrest.
