Online Reporter
Caroline Mutsawu in Hwange
A 24-year-old man from Hwange has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for breaking into a woman’s home and attempting to assault her.
Marshal Comfort Nyathi appeared before Hwange Magistrate Fungai Dzimiri on charges of aggravated unlawful entry.
Prosecutor Mr Wisdom Shava told the court that on March 4, Nyathi broke into the complainant’s home in the Lwendulu area through a window while she slept, half-dressed.
“On March 3, at around 9 pm, the complainant closed and locked all windows and doors before going to bed. Nyathi, however, opened the window to her bedroom, placed a brick under it, and used it to climb into the room,” Mr Shava explained.
“Nyathi then stepped on the brick and jumped into the complainant’s bedroom,” he added. At around 1:40am, Nyathi started pulling down the complainant’s shorts.
“The complainant quickly held Nyathi’s hand and asked who he was and whether he intended to rape her,” Mr Shava said.
The complainant then spoke calmly to Nyathi, hoping to prevent harm.
Nyathi apologised, claiming he had romantic feelings for her and identified himself as “Mike.”
“She then told him that he had done wrong by breaking in, instead of properly expressing his feelings,” Mr Shava said.
The complainant informed Nyathi that she was going to switch on the light to identify him.
“Upon turning on the lights, she managed to take a picture of Nyathi,” Mr Shava added.
After being photographed, Nyathi attempted to escape through the window.
However, the complainant advised him not to use that exit and immediately alerted her mother, who accompanied her to the room. It was at this point that Nyathi fled through the window.
Nyathi was later arrested and charged.
Magistrate Dzimiri handed Nyathi a 24-month prison sentence.
