A lecturer at the University of Zambia (UNZA) who is 52 years old was found guilty of fondling one of his pupils’ breasts and thighs. The case has now been brought before the High Court for sentencing and mitigation after Austin Mbozi was found guilty and convicted of indecently assaulting his victim. Mbozi was convicted…
A lecturer at the University of Zambia (UNZA) who is 52 years old was found guilty of fondling one of his pupils’ breasts and thighs.
The case has now been brought before the High Court for sentencing and mitigation after Austin Mbozi was found guilty and convicted of indecently assaulting his victim.
Mbozi was convicted guilty of indecent assault by Lusaka Senior Resident Magistrate Felix Kaoma, who then committed his case to the High Court.
The evidence presented in court shows that Mbozi assaulted a female student indecently and illegally on September 28, 2020 in Lusaka.
The victim testified in court that she returned to the UNZA grounds that fatal day to study, according to the victim’s evidence.
She testified in court that Mbozi stopped her on the way and enquired as to her destination.
The victim agreed to assist Mbozi with some urgent typing work, and he urged her to visit his office at around 17:00 to sign a contract for the work, which required inputting certain information, according to the testimony given in court.
The victim recalled finding two tables in Mbozi’s office when she went there.
“When we sat down, he started touching my neck, kissing me and then moved to touching my breasts, waist and thighs. He then started moving towards my vagina, but I moved. He then told me that he would take care of me and offered me a bundle of money ,but I refused. He told me that he would divorce his wife and that he liked me very much, and he would increase the salary if I worked well,” she said.
She continued to describe what happened in court, saying that after realizing the door was locked and attempting to exit, she became frightened and began sobbing.
According to testimony given in court, after pleading with Mbozi and vowing to return the following day, she left and fainted before she could alert UNZA security to the situation. She was then brought to the clinic.
The defendant refuted the accusations in his defense.
Nevertheless, the magistrate found Mbozi guilty of indecently assaulting the victim and stated in his decision that he was satisfied with the prosecution’s case.
“In the circumstances and by the foregoing reasons, I am satisfied the prosecution have proved their case against the accused for the offence of indecent assault as charged. I do hereby find him guilty and convict him accordingly,” he said.
He then delivered him to the High Court for sentencing and mitigation.
