adminPost Correspondent
A GRADE Seven teacher from Chimanimani is alleged to have abused the trust bestowed on him after he indecently assaulted his pupil. Webster Mandhlazi (42) of House Number 346, Ngangu, Chimanimani, who is employed as a teacher at Ngangu Primary School, appeared before Chipinge magistrate Mr Noah Gwatidzo on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to the offence.
He is expected back in the dock for sentencing next Wednesday.
The State, led by Mr Themba Dhliwayo, argued that on October 7, the complainant, who is a 13-year-old juvenile, went to nearby shops at Ngangu to buy sandals.
It is alleged that on her way to the shops, she met Mandhlazi, her class teacher, along the road.
“The accused forced the complainant to greet him with a hug and a kiss. She refused,” he said.
Mr Dhliwayo said Mandhlazi forcibly grabbed the complainant, hugged her and proceeded to fondle her breasts as well as kissing her.
“Soon after the incident, Mandhlazi threatened the complainant not to reveal any information concerning the incident to anybody.
“The complainant proceeded to the shops and upon returning home, she revealed everything to her guardian, Lawrence Zhou, who then took the victim to ZRP Chimanimani where he reported the matter. Police reacted swiftly and arrested the accused.”
In his defence, Madhlazi said he never met the complainant on that particular day.
He said he was in the company of his friends doing school assignments. He also added that there was no shop that opened up to 7pm in that area.
Online Reporter