A STUDENT at the University of Zambia has narrated to the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court how a lecturer allegedly indecently assaulted her by touching her breasts and thighs while in his office.
This is a matter in which Austin Mbozi, a lecturer at the University, is charged with indecent assault on females.
Allegations are that Mbozi, 51, on September 28, 2020, in Lusaka, unlawfully and indecently assaulted a female student.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
When the matter came up for trial before Magistrate Felix Kaoma, Tuesday, the victim told the court that on the said date, she left her hostel and went to study within compass.
She testified that on her way from Kalingalinga hostel, she met a man who she later came to know as Mbozi near Goma fields.
“He [Mbozi] stopped me and asked where I was going and I told him that I was going to see a friend within UNZA since he was a stranger,” the victim said.
She narrated that Mbozi informed her that he needed some urgent work typed and needed help with it.
The victim told the court that she agreed to help him and he told her to go to his office around 17:00 hours to sign a contract for work, which involved typing some information.
She testified that after she finished studying, she informed one of her colleagues about the contract she was going to sign with Mbozi.
The victim added that Mbozi later called her and when she reached his office, she found two tables.
She said he then gave her a stool while he also sat on a chair and asked her if she knew how to use a computer, to which she responded in the affirmative.
“He then gave me a computer and asked me to type so as to rate my ability to use a computer. He moved close to where I was seated. He started touching my breasts from behind. He kissed me on the neck,” the student narrated.
She explained that he then extended his hand to her waist and further went ahead to touch her thighs but she stood up after he tried to touch her private parts, in realisation that he had bad intentions.
“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.
The student further told the court that she got scared and started crying as she did not know what to do after realising that the door was locked after she tried to go out.
She further testified that while near the door, she sent a text to her male friend within the campus and alerted him that she was in trouble.
The victim narrated that Mbozi then went close to where she was standing and told her that she was beautiful.
She testified that she then started pleading with him to open the door and told him that she would return the following day.
When Mbozi opened the door, the victim went to report the matter to UNZA security before she was taken to the clinic after she allegedly fainted.
The matter has been adjourned to October 5, this year for continued trial.
