Zimbabwean Company Director Accused of ‘fondling’ Employee

TENCRAFT Construction Company’s managing director is accused of touching the breast of a junior employee after she confronted him in his office over an outstanding salary.

Benson Mushavi, 55, was hauled to the Harare magistrates’ court facing accusations of touching the subordinate’s breast after she confronted him over her outstanding unpaid salaries.

The victim was said to be in the company of another workmate when she confronted her boss in his office.

Mushayi, who was being represented by lawyer Batanai Pesanai, denied the charges when he appeared before magistrate Tracy Muzondo.

The 55-year-old managing director told the court that he had no intention to indecently assault the employee on the day in question.

But she told the court that her boss touched her breast.

“We had never exchanged words or picked any fight over the matter but I was surprised when all this happened.

“He had told us to wait but it was almost about to rain when I decided to enter into his office.

“He welcomed us into his office.

“We asked him about our money and he told us that he had no money and would have to liaise with other directors.

“He then told us that he wanted to go to Mabvuku where there is another workshop. There was a theft that had occurred.

“At that time he had not told us when we would return to get our money.

“When he wanted to leave his office he then pushed me and it was when he touched my breast,” she said.

Speaking through his lawyer, Mushavi, denied ever laying his hand on her saying:

“The complainant and one Limit Namwisi continued to come to the accused’s office demanding to know details of further payment and were informed that the company was yet to receive other payments.

“On the 29th of December 2016, complainant and Limit came back again into the accused person’s office demanding to know how much the company was going to pay them.

“Complainant and one Limit were advised that accused was not in a position to assist without the input of the human capital and finance managers.

“The finance manager was already on leave at that time.

“Despite them being advised on the position, the complainant and one Limit continued camping in the accused’s office, obstructing him from working and doing his duties.

“The accused then indicated to the two that he needed to join the Human Resource capital manager at Mabvuku Police Station in connection with the theft that had occurred on the company workshop on the 28th December 2016 and that he would return later,” he said.

Mushavi said that the victim and her colleague would not allow him to leave his office which forced him to force his way out.

“The accused person had no intention whatsoever to indecently assault the complainant in the circumstances but he only had to force his way out of the office where the two employees were literally holding him hostage and whatever physical conduct that might have been made was for the purposes of escaping from the two employees,” he said.

Mushayi is expected back in court on March 28 for trial continuation.

(H-Metro)