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Michelle Gwizi, Chronicle Reporter

A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo has been fined $250 for assaulting a prostitute who refused to have unprotected sex with him.

Blessing Verengerai from Nkulumane suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Lesigo Ngwenya who fined him $250 for assaulting Ms Lisa Bumhudza (23).

Verengerai was facing assault and theft charges.

He was convicted of assault on his own plea of guilty and was acquitted on the theft charge because of lack of evidence.

Prosecuting, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu said Verengerai approached Ms Bumhudza for “short time sex” on March 8 at Waverly Bar, Corner Lobengula Street and 13th Avenue.

“They proceeded to a lodge and had a misunderstanding which made Verengerai strike her twice on the forehead, punch her on the face and on the left breast,” said Mr Ndlovu.

The court heard how during the time Verengerai was assaulting Ms Bumhudza, he grabbed her bra and snatched 10 RTGS$ and US$20.

In court, Verengerai denied the theft charge saying he assaulted Ms Bumhudza because she was the one who stole from him. “She is lying that Istole from her, instead she is the thief. She stole US$37 and 7 RTGS$ from me that is why l assaulted her not what she is saying,” he said.

In response, Ms Bumhudza said: “He is lying, he assaulted me because l refused to have unprotected sex and that I told him that his time was over as he had paid for a short time.”

Ms Bumhudza called a security guard who apprehended Verengerai, leading to his arrest. – @gwizi_n