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Chinhoyi Bureau
MDC-T councillor for Budiriro Oddrey Sydney Chirombe appeared in court last Friday charged with indecent assault after he fondled a male roommate during a workshop for councillors in Kariba.
Chirombe (49), a councillor for ward 33, was remanded out of custody on US$50 bail. His trial begins on March 6.

The prosecutor Ms Barbara Mabika alleges that on February 21 this year Chirombe woke up in the middle of the night when a Nyaradzo Funeral Services bus driver Mr Richard Nyakabau, whom he had offered a room, was asleep and started fondling him.

The court heard that the incident happened in a houseboat at Andora Harbour where Chirombe and other councillors were allocated rooms.

Nyakabau did not get a room and at around 2230hrs he was allegedly approached by Chirombe while sitting outside the bus.  Chirombe offered to share his room with Nyakabau since it had two beds. The driver accepted his offer and they slept without incident on the first day. On the second day, Nyakabau retired early for bed while Chirombe went out to drink.

He returned around 2300hrs and tried to start a conversation with Nyakabau but was rebuffed as the bus driver wanted to rest.

It is alleged Chirombe temporarily went to his bed but at around 0200hrs he sneaked into Nyakabau’s blankets and started fondling him.

He removed his shorts and underwear.

Nyakabau screamed for help on realising what was happening and other councillors came to investigate.

The bus driver reported the matter to Harare mayor Mr Benard Manyenyeni who was also attending the workshop leading to Chirombe’s arrest.