The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Court Correspondent
A MUTARE Polytechnic lecturer was jailed 24 months for indecent assault after caressing a male student’s private parts at the campus in April.
Teston Manana (53) had pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, but was convicted after a full trial.
Mr Brian Goto represented the State, while Manana a father of three was being represented by Mutare lawyer, Mr Hugo Tanaya of Mugadza, Chinzamba and Partners Legal Practitioners.
Mr Mabwe sentenced Manana to 24 months imprisonment. He will, however, serve an effective 18 months in prison after six months were wholly suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The court heard that on April 26, the 27-year-old complainant who is also a student at the college arrived at Mutare Polytechnic intending to repair furniture at the college during the holiday.
He was referred to Manana by the school security guards who were stationed at the gate. Manana was supposed to arrange accommodation and food for the complainant.
“They later drove around town together and on the same day at around 10pm, Manana who resides at the staff quarters at the college took the complainant to his house and offered him accommodation. This was after the complainant had told him that he had brought no blankets,” said Mr Goto.
They allegedly shared the same bed and blankets.
Without any explanation, Manana proceeded to caress the complainant’s cheeks, chest and private parts without his consent.
The complainant realised that Manana was unrelenting and excused himself saying he wanted to use the toilet. He sneaked out of the house and went to alert security guards who were at the main gate. A police report was made leading to Manana’s arrest.
