Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera has acquitted former Zimbabwe national women’s team coach Shadreck Mlauzi of assault and indecent conduct charges. The accusations were made by a member of the Mighty Warriors technical team.

Chichera ruled that the complainant’s evidence was conflicting and controversial, suggesting that the allegations may have been fabricated to bring Mlauzi down. The magistrate also noted that WhatsApp chats between Mlauzi and the complainant showed that they had been flirting even after the alleged incidents.

Consequently, Chichera found that the state’s case could not sustain the allegations. Mlauzi had denied the charges, claiming that he and his accuser were in an online relationship prior to their meeting. He argued that the accusations were an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

Chichera emphasized the importance of treating evidence with caution in such cases, where it is merely the word of the complainant against that of the accused. The court ultimately concluded that the complainant had not been assaulted in any way and consequently had Mlauzi acquitted.