Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A 32-YEAR-OLD man from Dangamvura has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court on indecent assault charges, after allegedly forcing his 12-year-old stepdaughter to caress his private parts.
The man, whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the minor, appeared before provincial magistrate, Ms Annie Ndiraya, charged with indecent assault as defined under Section 67 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, (Chapter 9:23).
The accused did not contest the allegations when asked by the court.
Representing the State, Ms Mazvita Kadenha said the incident occurred on October 21, 2025, while the complainant’s mother was away in Harare.
It is alleged that the accused entered the complainant’s bedroom, switched off the lights and began caressing the buttocks of the minor without her consent.
The complainant reportedly switched on the light and ordered him to return to his room, which he did.
Ms Kadenha further said later that night, the complainant was awakened by the accused who again switched off the lights and began caressing her buttocks.
The complainant switched on the light, at which point the accused allegedly dropped his trousers to knee level, forcibly touched the complainant’s hand and compelled her to caress his manhood.
In court, the accused admitted to the conduct, but claimed that his actions were influenced by alcohol, saying he did not know what he was doing at the time.
Ms Ndiraya remanded the accused in custody to January 5, 2026.
