Gishoni Ntini convicted

Football coach Gishon Ntini was yesterday fined $100 after a Mbare magistrate convicted him of assaulting a woman he held responsible for the disappearance of his son.

Ntini, who was also charged with indecent assault, was sentenced to a three-month prison term by Ms Bianca Makwande. The sentence was, however, wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

Prosecutor Mr Tafara Chirambira proved that on July 17 this year, Ntini approached Fortune Sweto and asked her about the whereabouts of his son. The court heard that Sweto had taken the boy from a school in Mufakose, accusing him of breaking her DVD player when he was playing at her house. Sweto told Ntini that she was not aware of the whereabouts of his son since they had taken different routes from the police station.

Ntini was not satisfied with Sweto's response and accused her of kidnapping his son. He ended up assaulting her several times before tearing her blouse in the scuffle. In a fit of rage Ntini "pulled" Sweto's breasts.

She was rescued from further attack by a taxi driver.

Sweto then reported the matter to the police leading to Ntini's arrest.

Ntini's son has since been found.