Gweru man sentenced for assaulting MSU law student

By Dumisani Ndlovu

GWERU — A 20-year-old man from Gweru, Method Chitota, has been sentenced to four months in prison after pleading guilty to indecent assault and assault charges involving a Midlands State University (MSU) law student.

Chitota, whose only listed address was an unverified location in Tinshel, Gweru, appeared before Magistrate Arnold Maburo, admitting to fondling the victim’s breast without consent and later assaulting her after she pushed him away in self-defence.

The State opposed bail, arguing that Chitota posed a high flight risk due to his lack of a fixed residence. Magistrate Maburo upheld the objection, ordering that the accused remain in custody pending sentencing.

Prosecutor Hungwe condemned Chitota’s conduct, saying the guilty plea did not reflect genuine remorse. “The accused admitted guilt, but his violent reaction when the complainant resisted shows a complete absence of contrition,” Hungwe told the court. “He escalated from indecent assault to physical violence within moments, which is deeply concerning,”she said.

Pleading with the court to also consider the safety of women in the community when assessing the severity of this behavior.

Shee added that such actions illustrated a pattern of aggression that endangered the complainant and the public at large. “This case shows a worrying tendency among some offenders who refuse to accept rejection peacefully. The State urges the court to send a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated,” Hungwe said.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Maburo echoed the prosecutor’s remarks, stressing the seriousness of the offence and the need for deterrent measures.
“The court takes a firm stance on crimes that violate women’s dignity and safety.It is the duty of the court to protect people from all forms of violence ,” Maburo said.

Maburo also emphasized the public interest in protecting women from sexual and physical attacks, especially in areas like Mtapa, which have seen increasing reports of similar incidents.

“The community must see that the justice system acts decisively in matters of gender-based violence,” he added.
After reviewing mitigating and aggravating factors, Maburo sentenced Chitota to four months in prison. However, the sentence was suspended on condition that he pays a fine of US$100 for indecent assault and US$200 for assault before October 30, 2025.