Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
BULAWAYO was abuzz this week after the operations manager of a local security company walked out of court a free man, acquitted of shocking allegations that had threatened to destroy his reputation.
Christian Thomas (61) who faced multiple court appearances over claims that he fondled the bum of a subordinate, finally breathed a sigh of relief after Bulawayo magistrate Itai Kagwere found him not guilty.
The magistrate ruled that the State failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, pointing out inconsistencies in the testimony and the fact that the complainant reported the alleged incident several days after Thomas had dismissed her from work. Kagwere said the allegations appeared to be an afterthought intended to tarnish Thomas’ name.
Speaking to B-Metro after the ruling, Thomas described the ordeal as the darkest period of his life. He revealed how the allegations had affected him mentally and socially, saying his reputation both at home and at work suffered. “Just imagine your wife reading those allegations of groping a woman’s bum. The damage to my reputation in society and at work was significant,” he said. He added that counselling had helped him slowly regain his peace of mind and that he was determined to move on.
The case centered on an incident that allegedly occurred on 5 June at Tacktop Security Company in Bulawayo. The complainant, a 31-year-old security guard, claimed Thomas called her to his office to open the windows. While she was inside, he allegedly appeared from behind and fondled her bum. Shocked, she reportedly pushed him away and returned to her post, reporting the matter to police six days later.
Thomas, represented by Task Vhiki of Task Vhiki Attorneys, insisted he never touched the woman. Vhiki argued that the complainant had been upset over a planned transfer to Gwanda and subsequently absconded from work. When Thomas later contacted her to return company uniforms, she allegedly refused to come back.
With the acquittal, Thomas hopes to restore his reputation and put the court saga behind him. The case serves as a reminder that courtroom drama can seriously affect lives, and not every sensational allegation stands up to legal scrutiny.
Thomas now plans to focus on his work and family, determined to leave the allegations in the past.
Londile Moyo