Temba Dube
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A 45-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been fined US$200 or five months in jail for indecently assaulting a 17-year-old female colleague at their workplace.
The incident took place while the two shared a bed at the confectionery where they were both employed.
The man, from Sauerstown suburb, whose name is withheld to protect the complaint’s identity, was convicted of indecent assault by Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Challenge Mahembe.
In his ruling, the magistrate said the credibility of the victim’s testimony was consistent, noting that there was no evidence of animosity between the parties that could have motivated a false accusation.
“It is common cause that the accused and complainant sleep under one roof and same blanket at their workplace. The offender breached trust by engaging in such conduct,” he said.
Mr Mahembe also acknowledged that the offender had shown remorse by apologising to the victim.
According to court papers, the assault occurred on February 26 at 2AM, when the accused lay behind the victim, asked for sexual intercourse and after being refused, proceeded to rub his private parts against her.
The court heard that the trauma extended beyond the incident itself.
The victim, in her impact statement, described how the offender attempted to bribe her family to drop the charges, leading to further distress and familial pressure to accept the bribe, which she refused.
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old Bulawayo man appeared in court yesterday for allegedly smashing the windscreen of a commuter omnibus during a heated dispute over R5 change.
Proud Mwanza of Newton West suburb, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Evia Matura, facing charges of malicious damage to property and assault. Mwanza was remanded in custody to May 13.
The prosecutor, Ms Josephine Gurazhira, said the incident occurred on April 22 at around 8AM at the PP Jokes Shopping Centre.
Mwanza allegedly became agitated as he demanded five rand change from the kombi owner, Mr Abyolla Josi. In a fit of anger, Mwanza allegedly hurled half-bricks at the vehicle, shattering the kombi’s windscreen.
The altercation escalated further, with Mwanza allegedly pushing Mr Josi and then striking him in the face, chest and left eye with half-bricks.
The court heard that the complainant sustained injuries and was referred to hospital for medical examination.
A report was made, leading to Mwanza’s arrest.
The medical report will be produced in court as evidence.
Online Reporter