By Nyasha Chuma
A mathematics teacher at the Harare Einstein Tuition Centre, whose assault on a student went viral on social media, pleaded for a second chance saying “I am still learning the ropes of life” as he implored the court to reduce the severity of his sentence.
Talent Chingwaru will perform 630 hours of community service at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, a court ruled on Monday.
He, was initially sentenced to three years for assaulting a student but escaped a jail time after Harare Magistrate Judith Taruvinga suspended 18 months on condition of good behaviour and another 18 were suspended on condition that does community service.
It was the State’s case that Chingwaru on October 14 assaulted an 18-year-old student, who later made a report at the Harare Central Police Station.
The court heard that the student was found in an “O” Level classroom watching movies during lesson time and he was ordered by Chingwaru to go back to his class.
In mitigation, Chingwaru’s lawyer Joshua Chirambwe, pleaded for leniency.
“I wish to emphasise that the accused is a trusted life coach in our society upon which hundreds and hundreds of young people look upon him. The idea of custodial sentences in these circumstances would not jeopardise the interests of the accused, but of the whole society,” Chirambwe argued.
“He earns a paltry US$200 and has no savings, although he owns two vehicles. The accused is learning the ropes of life and deserves a second chance. There are many students who are yet to complete their studies and rely on accused person. I believe that teachers are the most responsible members of society,” he said.
“Young persons must not be punished like more mature offenders. Judicial officers should not be swayed in coming to conclusion by what is on social media or newspapers. The charge is a common assault. It was out of love of his work and some certain zeal that gave him a temptation that he regretted,” Chirambwe added.
Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga said “it is fortunate that the complainant did not suffer any permanent injuries.”
“You could have lost your job and potential employers might not want to accept you because of the publicity that was involved. Accused, you need to be given another chance to reform and you need to control your anger,” she ruled.
