Man jailed after midnight sex-for-cash stunt goes wrong

A 22-year-old man from Hope Fountain found himself on the wrong side of the law after allegedly storming into a woman's yard in the early hours of the morning, waving cash and demanding sex.

Mertzo Mupande appeared before the court after the bizarre incident involving a 44-year-old woman, Virginia Nkomazana.

The court heard that at around 3AM, Mupande allegedly sneaked into Nkomazana's yard using an alternative entrance before heading straight to her bedroom door, where he began shouting and demanding that she come out.

Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that Mupande attempted to lure the woman by flashing cash, initially offering US$10 before increasing the amount to US$20 and eventually US$80 when she did not respond.

Fearing for her safety, Nkomazana remained inside her home as the accused continued shouting outside.

The situation escalated until around 4AM, when the landlord arrived at the scene accompanied by police officers. Upon noticing their presence, Mupande attempted to flee and hid inside the kitchen, but was quickly tracked down and arrested.

Appearing before magistrate Barbra Phiri, Mupande pleaded guilty to criminal trespass.

The court sentenced him to four months in prison, wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.