Bulawayo Man, 28, Appears In Court For Fondling Female Workmate

A 28-year-old man from Montgomery Plots on the outskirts of Bulawayo has appeared in court on a charge of indecent assault.

Herbert Mapukudza, 28, appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Isheunesu Mathoba on Wednesday.

He is alleged to have indecently assaulted a workmate after she rejected his romantic advances.

The complainant is a 25-year-old woman who cannot be named to protect her identity.

Prosecuting, Mabusiso Moyo told the court that the incident occurred on 23 March 2026 at around 9 am in a bushy area along Lucy Road in Montgomery, Umguza District. It is alleged that Mapukudza fondled the woman and slapped her on the back.

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

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

“The accused then grabbed her hand and started fondling her breasts as well as slapping her buttocks.”

The court heard that during the struggle, the complainant fell to the ground as she tried to free herself.

“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,” Moyo added.

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

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