adminCaroline Chaparadza
CONTROVERSY always follows Mutare man Sonny Manyande everywhere he goes. Having had several brushes with the law in the past, Manyande, who is almost a popular figure at the magistrates’ courts, is back in the eye of a storm. This time, he was dragged to court by a workmate who is accusing him of harassing her. This time, Manyande is alleged to have teamed up with his wife to harass his boss and sister-in-charge at Tariro Project at Africa University, Evelyn Mashonganyika.
In her affidavit, Mashonganyika accused the couple of insulting her. She claimed Manyande’s wife was also in the habit of visiting their workplace threatening to assault her.
Disputing the allegations, Manyande, who is the horticulturalist for the project, told the court that his superior was making false allegations against him because she wanted to cover up a case in which he had complained of alleged sexually harassment.
It was brought to the court’s attention that Manyande had submitted a written complaint to the project manager complaining that Mashonganyika was sexually abusing him.
“On December 22, my superior called me into her office where she showed me a pornographic video,” he claimed.
He added that Mashonganyika had threatened him saying failure to watch the video would result in him losing his contract.
Mashonganyika could not deny the allegations as signed documents were brought before the court as evidence.
In the documents, she had apologised and stated that she had no intention whatsoever of sexually abusing him.
“I visited her to hear her side of the story. It was not something I wanted the world to know about. That is why I was not violent to her,” said Manyande
A witness, Brenda Divasio, who is a part-time general hand, testified in court and said Manyande had visited Mashonganyika’s office and spoke on top of his voice, thereby drawing many people’s attention.
Mashonganyika said Manyande wanted to harm her reputation.
“I am facing shame at work and even in the society. My marriage is now on the rocks and my life has completely changed,” she added.
Mrs Ndiraya granted the peace order and said the issue of Manyande claiming to have been forced to watch pornographic material was another matter which should be reported separately.
Online Reporter