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A third year student at Midlands State University (MSU), who was on industrial attachment at the institution, was forced to abandon her internship over alleged sexual harassment after an agriculture lecturer reportedly stripped naked in front of her.
The student (name withheld) allegedly informed her supervisor about the indecent assault, but she chose to sweep the matter under the carpet.

The agriculture lecturer Julius Mukarati, who resides at 26 Smart Road in Athlone, appeared before Gweru magistrate Miss Mildred Matuvi facing one count of indecent assault.
He was not asked to plead and was remanded to April 30 on $50 bail.

It is the State case that on November 14 last year, Mukarati called the student to his office and asked her to assist him with typing.

He left the complainant in his office for 10 minutes, and when he returned, he locked the door from inside.
When the student questioned his motive, Mukarati allegedly said “you know what l want to do to you”.
The court heard that Mukarati removed all his clothes and started fondling the complainant’s breast and back.
He also fondled her privates while she tried to stop him.

The complainant then screamed, causing Mukarati to immediately stop caressing her and put on his clothes.
On November 15, the complaint told her supervisor Mrs Tendai Maparara about the incident, but she did not take any action, which caused her to abandon her attachment.

The complainant’s parents then quizzed their daughter why she did not finish her attachment and she narrated her ordeal, leading to Mukarati’s arrest.
Miss Gracious Rongai prosecuted. — Herald Reporter.