A Harare tout has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for assaulting a Grade 7 pupil. The incident occurred at Rezende Street bus terminus after the pupil was followed into a commuter omnibus. The court found the State’s evidence sufficient despite the accused’s defence and claims.
HARARE – A 25-year-old Harare tout has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of assaulting a Grade 7 pupil at the Rezende Street Bus Terminus, a regional magistrate’s court heard.
The sentence was handed down by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Fadzai Mthombeni following a trial in which the court examined evidence presented by the State. The ruling brings closure to a case that began in July last year.
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According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on July 19 when the complainant, a minor, left home alone around midday. She was going to collect money for extra lessons from her stepfather at the corner of Leopold Takawira Street and Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare.
The court heard that after receiving US$10 from her stepfather, the pupil began walking back home. It was during this time that she encountered the accused, who followed her to the bus terminus.
Prosecutor Mr Kudakwashe Muza told the court that the accused led the complainant into a commuter omnibus parked at the rank. Once inside, the court heard, he locked the doors and covered her mouth with a white cloth before committing the offence.
After the incident, the accused released the complainant, who then returned home. The matter was not immediately reported.
The court heard that the case came to light two days later, on July 21, when the girl’s uncle visited her school. He raised concerns after she had reportedly returned home late from town.
Following the uncle’s concerns, the complainant was interviewed by her teacher. During the discussion, she disclosed the incident, leading to the matter being reported to the authorities.
In his defence, the accused denied being a tout and told the court that he repairs car radios for a living. He stated that on the day in question, he was working on a commuter omnibus radio at the rank.
He further claimed that he could not have committed the offence, arguing that he was physically incapable and asked the court to order a medical examination to support his claim.
However, the court found the State’s evidence credible and sufficient to secure a conviction. Magistrate Mthombeni ruled in favour of the prosecution, leading to the 15-year custodial sentence.
The case highlights concerns around safety in public transport areas, particularly for minors, and the importance of timely reporting of incidents.
