Mighty Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi was on Wednesday, 10 January acquitted of indecent assault charges by Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera.
Judgment had been set for last week but was moved to today where Mlauzi was found not guilty.
In her ruling, the magistrate stated that there were inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony, adding that the State failed to prove its case against Mlauzi.
Mlauzi is the only coach to guide a Zimbabwean national football team to the Olympic Games after his Mighty Warriors made it to Brazil in 2016.
A teacher by profession, Mlauzi was being accused of indecent assault by a member of the Mighty Warriors technical team.
In the first count, it was alleged that on 26 September, Mlauzi and the Mighty Warriors were in camp at Pandari Lodge in Glen Lorne, Harare before the squad departed for South Africa for the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship which took place from 4 to 15 October 2023.
The complainant allegedly asked for the training programme but Mlauzi told her to collect it from his room.
Later that day she went to the room to collect it and Mlauzi told her he would email it to her.
Mlauzi allegedly then went on to say “pafoni unonditiza chimbondipawo kiss” asking the complainant to kiss him on his lips.
He allegedly grabbed the complainant’s shoulders and pulled her towards him in an attempt to kiss her without her consent but she refused.
The accused allegedly further demanded to have his body massaged through a WhatsApp call and asked for sexual intimacy which she refused.
In the second count, the State alleged that on 04 October, Mlauzi and the complainant were in South Africa at Garden Court Hotel with the rest of the team members.
On handing the hotel room keys to the complainant, Mlauzi allegedly instructed her to come and massage him.
The following day, while at a training session, the complainant told the coach that they didn’t have resistance bands for training and he told her to collect money from his room.
The complainant went to collect the money from the accused’s room and when he handed over the US$20, he allegedly grabbed the complainant’s buttocks and said “chimbondipawo zvinhu izvi ndimbozvinzwa.” The complainant refused and went away.
The next day, Mlauzi allegedly started harassing the complainant after the match and that prompted her to register her complaint with the COSAFA Safeguarding Officer who later counselled her.
The complainant claimed ZIFA sought to protect Mlauzi when she first reported the case.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Mighty Warriors Coach Shadreck Mlauzi Acquitted

The trial of Zimbabwe national women’s senior football team coach, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Shadreck_Mlauzi">Shadreck Mlauzi</a> on sexual abuse charges was on Thursday postponed to 12 December after he hired a new lawyer who needs time to familiarise himself with the proceedings, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mlauzis-trial-deferred/">The Herald</a>.
Mlauzi stands accused of allegedly molesting a female member of his technical team on two occasions. He denies the charges.
He was released on US$300 bail on 18 October after spending the night in a remand prison.
In the first count, it is alleged that on 26 September, Mlauzi and the Mighty Warriors were in camp at Pandari Lodge in Glen Lorne, Harare before the squad departed for South Africa for the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship which took place from 4 to 15 October 2023.
The complainant is a member of the Mighty Warriors technical team.
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She allegedly asked for the training programme but Mlauzi told her to collect it from his room.
Later that day she went to the room to collect it and Mlauzi told her he would email it to her.
Mlauzi allegedly then went on to say “pafoni unonditiza chimbondipawo kiss” asking the complainant to kiss him on his lips.
He allegedly grabbed the complainant’s shoulders and pulled her towards him in an attempt to kiss her without her consent but she refused.
The accused allegedly further demanded to have his body massaged through a WhatsApp call and asked for sexual intimacy which she refused.
In the second count, the State alleged that on 04 October, Mlauzi and the complainant were in South Africa at Garden Court Hotel with the rest of the team members.
On handing the hotel room keys to the complainant, Mlauzi allegedly instructed her to come and massage him.
The following day, while at a training session, the complainant told the coach that they didn’t have resistance bands for training and he told her to collect money from his room.
The complainant went to collect the money from the accused’s room and when he handed over the US$20, he allegedly grabbed the complainant’s buttocks and said “chimbondipawo zvinhu izvi ndimbozvinzwa.” The complainant refused and went away.
The next day, Mlauzi allegedly started harassing the complainant after the match and that prompted her to register her complaint with the COSAFA Safeguarding Officer who later counselled her.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
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Mighty Warriors Coach Shadreck Mlauzi’s Trial Deferred

The trial of Mighty Warriors head coach <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Shadreck_Mlauzi">Shadreck Mlauzi</a>, charged with two counts of indecent assault, continued before Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera on Thursday.
Dorothy Mugari, who is a safeguarding officer with the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), testified.
She told the court that her duty was to protect the players and technical staff and confirmed receiving the assault report from the complainant on 07 October. Mugari said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/witness-nails-mighty-warriors-coach/">The Herald</a>:
<blockquote>
I received a complaint from the team manager regarding this case. I went to the team manager and we talked to the complainant and she told us what had happened.
She said she was being harassed by the head coach. She said he was sexually and verbally abusing her.
She said the coach shouted at her, called her constantly and touched her thighs.
</blockquote>
Mugari, who wrote the sexual harassment report, said according to her findings, the complainant had not consented.
She submitted that she prepared the sexual harassment report according to the safeguarding policies and protocols.
During cross-examination, Mlauzi asked Mugari if she did not find it strange that the complainant did not file a report of indecent assault on the day it allegedly happened.
Mugari responded saying the complainant wrote it in her report, but she did not see any signs of assault nor did she witness the act.
She declined to comment about her character when asked by Mlauzi.
The State closed its case on Thursday, 23 November and the defence case opens on 05 December.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

COSAFA Safeguarding Officer Testifies In Shadreck Mlauzi Trial

A member of the Mighty Warriors technical team accusing Mighty Warriors head coach, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Shadreck_Mlauzi">Shadreck Mlauzi</a>, of indecent assault reportedly broke down in court while narrating her ordeal.
<a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/mlauzi-accuser-breaks-down-in-court/">H-Metro</a> reported that the complainant alleged that the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) protected Mlauzi after she reported the incident to them. She said:
<blockquote>
I went to his room in South Africa to get the money for resistance bands, and that’s when he grabbed my buttocks and said “imbondipawo zvinhu izvi”.
When I stretched my hand to take the money from him, he grabbed me by the buttocks and pulled me towards him while I was wearing tights and a jersey.
He started harassing me at the game and when we went to the hotel for a meeting, he harassed me again and I remained behind after the meeting crying, which prompted the safeguarding and team manager to return and ask why I was crying.
I told them everything, including his request for sex and massages.
</blockquote>
The complainant then broke down on the witness stand, saying she felt useless as if any man could do as they pleased with her body. She said:
<blockquote>
I didn’t tell anyone because I was afraid and because I had seen how others would be victimised for reporting matters of this nature.
This has affected me so much as there was widespread media coverage. My confidence was affected, and worse the football federation which was supposed to protect me, tried to hide the issue, and this has been difficult for me and my family. I felt and still feel vulnerable.
</blockquote>
Mlauzi, however, claimed that he has been in women’s football for over 22 years and has never violated any woman.
He said he admired the complainant, but never went beyond that as she alleged. Said Mlauzi:
<blockquote>
I have been in women’s football for over 22 years and never have I violated women, so it’s surprising that I have to defend myself against such allegations.
We had a virtual relationship. Most of our engagements were on WhatsApp. I don’t want to lie, she is a beautiful woman, and I admired her, but it didn’t go beyond that.
We have always had a good relationship with the complainant and even prior to my appointment, she would talk to me, video call me, WhatsApp call, and ask for favours, but I didn’t know that she had a motive.
Nothing happened on the day. I never forced her to come to my room. We have structures, including a team manager. She could have sent them to collect the things.
</blockquote>
Mlauzi said on the day in question, he took out US$20 and placed it on top of a drawer.
He said when his accuser came to his room, she took the money and waited. Said Mlauzi:
<blockquote>
She wouldn’t leave the room for whatever reason, so I told her that it was getting late and shopping malls would close, and then she went and bought the bands.
After the match on October 6, we had a valuation session to review our match and as a coach when demanding results, you demand your subordinates to share the same vision with you.
In that session, I didn’t hold any prisoners and emotions got the better of the complainant and she started crying in front of others.
That’s when she claimed I had touched her inappropriately, and I’m not sure of her motive.
</blockquote>
The resumes on 23 November. Mlauzi is outon US$300 bail.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mighty Warriors Coach Shadreck Mlauzi's Accuser Breaks Down In Court

The trial of Mighty Warriors head coach <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Shadreck_Mlauzi">Shadreck Mlauzi</a> at the Harare Magistrates Court failed to kick off, as the complainant was not in attendance.
H-Metro reported on Friday, 27 October, that Mlauzi is expected back in court on 10 November.
Mlauzi stands accused of allegedly molesting a female member of his technical team on two occasions. He denies the charges.
He was released on US$300 bail on 18 October after spending the night in a remand prison.
In the first count, it is alleged that on 26 September, Mlauzi and the Mighty Warriors were in camp at Pandari Lodge in Glen Lorne, Harare before the squad’s departure for South Africa for the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship which took place from 4 to 15 October 2023.
The complainant is a member of the Mighty Warriors technical team.
<div class="in_article">
<div>
She allegedly asked for the training programme but Mlauzi told her to collect it from his room.
Later that day she went to the room to collect it and Mlauzi told her he would email it to her.
Mlauzi allegedly then went on to say “pafoni unonditiza chimbondipawo kiss” asking the complainant to kiss him on his lips.
He allegedly grabbed the complainant’s shoulders and pulled her towards him in an attempt to kiss her without her consent but she refused.
The accused allegedly further demanded to have his body massaged through a WhatsApp call and asked for sexual intimacy which she refused.
In the second count, the State alleged that on 04 October, Mlauzi and the complainant were in South Africa at Garden Court Hotel with the rest of the team members.
On handing the hotel room keys to the complainant, Mlauzi allegedly instructed her to come and massage him.
The following day, while at a training session, the complainant told the coach that they didn’t have resistance bands for training and he told her to collect money from his room.
The complainant went to collect the money from the accused’s room and when he handed over the US$20, he allegedly grabbed the complainant’s buttocks and said “chimbondipawo zvinhu izvi ndimbozvinzwa.” The complainant refused and went away.
The next day, Mlauzi allegedly started harassing the complainant after the match and that prompted her to register her complaint with the COSAFA Safeguarding Officer who later counselled her.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
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False Start To Shadreck Mlauzi’s Indecent Assault Trial

Mighty Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi was granted bail of US$300 in a case where he is accused of indecently assaulting a female staff. He appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda who set the trial to begin on October 27.
Mlauzi challenged the court’s jurisdiction, but the application was dismissed, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200018261/mighty-warriors-coach-out-on-bail">NewsDay</a>. The alleged assaults took place in both Zimbabwe and South Africa while the team was in camp. The complaint’s identity is being protected.

<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/010/12/cosafa-womens-cup-alleged-sexual-abuse-rock-mighty-warriors-camp/">COSAFA Women’s Cup: Alleged Sexual Abuse Rock Mighty Warriors Camp</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/18/mighty-warriors-coach-in-custody-over-allegations-of-indecent-assault/">Mighty Warriors Coach In Custody Over Allegations Of Indecent Assault</a></li>
</ul>
The female staff member claims that Mlauzi asked her to come to his room for a massage and later grabbed her buttocks. She reported the incidents to the Cosafa safeguarding officer. Mlauzi appeared in court on Tuesday and has been remanded in custody until his bail hearing. The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is conducting an investigation into the allegations, and the staff member has expressed concerns about how ZIFA has handled the situation, as Mlauzi stayed in the same hotel as her during their time in South Africa.
Reports in Zimbabwe last week had named Mlauzi as the coach under investigation and he was not on the touchline for Zimbabwe’s semi-final defeat by Zambia, which he watched from the stands. He returned to the dugout for the third-place playoff defeat by Mozambique on Sunday.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Mighty Warriors Coach Shadreck Mlauzi Granted Bail

Shadreck Mlauzi has been appointed as the new coach of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mighty_Warriors/">Mighty Warriors,</a> with Yohanne Chikaola, Sithethelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, and Choice Dambuza serving as assistant coaches. Ndega Matsika is the goalkeeper’s coach, Portia Chiota is the team manager, and Dorothy Mugari is the Safeguarding officer. Chiwoniso Mashakada is the media officer.
Mlauzi previously led the Zimbabwe senior women’s team to the Olympic Games in 2016 and the Africa Cup of Nations Games finals in Cameroon. He will now select players for the COSAFA Women’s Championship, which will take place from October 4 to 15 in South Africa.
The Mighty Warriors, who missed the 2022 edition due to suspension, are placed in a group with Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho. The top team from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, along with the best runner-up from all three groups. Normalisation Committee member <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rosemary_Mugadza/">Rosemary Mugadza</a> said:
<blockquote>
As the Normalisation Committee, we want the Mighty Warriors to be in camp for two weeks. The team is scheduled to arrive in South Africa on the 3rd, so we hope by Monday they will be getting into camp.
</blockquote>
South Africa is the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having won seven out of the previous ten championships. Zimbabwe previously won the title in 2011 when they hosted the tournament but have since struggled to recapture that success. They aim to perform well and regain their past glory in this year’s competition.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

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