HARARE, Zimbabwe – In a recent development, Shadreck Mlauzi, the suspended coach of the Zimbabwe national women’s football team, the Mighty Warriors, has been acquitted of assault and indecent assault charges.
The verdict was delivered by Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera, who found the complainant’s evidence to be controversial and conflicting.
Magistrate Chichera stated, “The WhatsApp messages show that they were flirting after the alleged offence. That conduct was inconsistent with someone who was unhappy with how she was treated.”
She emphasised that the state failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and pointed out inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements.
The charges against Mlauzi alleged that he attempted to kiss the complainant during a training camp for the COSAFA Women Soccer Tournament in September of the previous year.
It was further claimed that he made inappropriate comments and touched her buttocks.
However, the magistrate highlighted discrepancies in the complainant’s statements, noting changes in the nature of the alleged acts.
“The complainant once said that the accused tried to grab her thighs, but she stepped back and then changed goalposts saying he touched her buttocks,” Magistrate Chichera remarked, casting doubt on the credibility of the witness.
Mlauzi, who consistently denied the charges, presented evidence of WhatsApp messages exchanged between him and the complainant, indicating a flirtatious relationship even after the alleged incidents.
The coach argued that the accusations were part of a plot to tarnish his reputation, suggesting that his enemies were using the complainant.
Magistrate Chichera cautioned against relying solely on the word of the complainant in such cases.
“The essential elements of assault are intention to harm. The court did not believe that the complainant was assaulted in any way,” she declared.
The acquittal comes as a relief for Mlauzi, who had maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
The decision emphasises the importance of scrutinising evidence and ensuring consistency in witness statements in cases of alleged assault.
