Workmate in court for indecent assault

A 28-YEAR-OLD man from Montgomery Plots on the outskirts of Bulawayo has appeared in court for allegedly fondling his workmate’s breasts and slapping her back after she rejected his romantic advances.

Herbert Mapukudza (28) on Wednesday appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Mr Isheunesu Mathoba facing a charge of indecent assault.

The complaint is a 25-year-old woman and cannot be named so as to protect her identity.

Mapukudza, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was advised of his legal right to seek the services of a lawyer and apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecuting, Ms Mabusiso Moyo told the court that the incident occurred on 23 March 2026 at around 9AM in a bushy area along Lucy Road in Montgomery, Umguza District.

“The accused person approached the complainant, who was walking along the road, and started proposing love to her, but she refused.

“The accused then grabbed her hand and started fondling her breasts as well as slapping her bums,” said Ms Moyo.

The court heard that the complainant fell to the ground during the struggle.

“While she was still lying on the ground, the accused person continued fondling her breasts and buttocks until she finally kicked him to free herself,” Ms Moyo added.

The complainant later reported the assault at Queens Park Police Station leading to Mapukudza’s arrest.