One ’mini-skirt’ tout arrested

HARARE – Police say they expect to arrest more touts who stripped a 28-year-old woman at Fourth Street commuter omnibus terminus this year following the arrest of one of the touts in connection with the case.

Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi had earlier revealed that they had identified the touts, kombi drivers and conductors who indecently assaulted the woman. He said they expected to make the arrests soon after the holidays.

Marvelous Kandemiri (32) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe on Christmas Day facing indecent assault charges.

He was remanded in custody to December 29 for bail application.

Prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that Kandemiri is among the group that indecently assaulted the woman accusing her of being a prostitute because she was dressed in a short dress.

It is alleged that one man who tried to shield her and lead her into a kombi for safety was overpowered and also assaulted by the same touts.

The court heard that the violent gang then pulled the woman out of the kombi by her legs, injuring her back in the process.

The video of the offence went viral on the social media resulting in women organisations condemning the harassment of the young woman, describing the act as barbaric and urged the police to immediately arrest the criminals.

Police have since identified the touts, kombi drivers and conductors but were waiting for the woman to come forward and press charges.

Chief Supt Nyathi said Kandemiri was arrested on Wednesday and the police had established leads towards the arrest of more touts who took part in the act.

“We are looking forward to making more arrests after the holiday. We are still investigating the case. The delay in the arrest of the perpetrators was caused by the complainant who only reported the matter to the police on Wednesday,” he said. The Herald