HARARE – The credit control manager of the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) grabbed a married female subordinate’s buttocks after she delivered tea to his office.
The woman had turned to leave Leonard Rwambiwa’s office when he came behind her and felt her hind assets.
Rwambiwa was on Tuesday convicted of indecent assault and sentenced to 60 days with an option to pay Z$1,000 fine.
The Zimdef boss had pleaded not guilty over the July 6 incident, but was convicted after a full trial by Harare magistrate, Yeukai Chigodora.
“The crime of indecent assault is serious and should not be taken lightly. It is aggravating and there is a lot of stigma associated with it especially if a married woman opens up,” said Chigodora in passing sentence.
“Once this happens at the workplace, it becomes an issue of sexual harassment. The State managed to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt.”
Rwambiwa, in mitigation, pleaded for leniency. He said he is a married man with four kids and has apologised to the victim.
Prosecutor Carol Mutimusakwa had urged the court to give Rwambiwa a stiff penalty.
“Men in powerful positions need to learn not to take advantage of women,” Mutimusakwa said.
The state proved that in the morning of July 9, the victim was at work when Rwambiwa requested that she prepares tea for him as it was part of her duties.
The court heard that the victim prepared the tea and served Rwambiwa in his office. As she was about to leave, he followed her and felt her buttocks with his hands without her consent.
The victim told two workmates who confronted Rwambiwa, but he denied the allegations. The victim later filed a police report.
