Sex workers and married man arrested during public romp

Three self-confessed Southlea Park sex workers and their married client found themselves in hot water after being caught red-handed engaging in public sex acts. The quartet was arrested by alert police officers and swiftly hauled before the courts.

Mellisa Mapanga (23), Rutendo Joseph (27), and Elsie Mupesa (22) were charged alongside Takura Pedzisai (35), a married man who left his pregnant wife at home for the illicit escapade. All four pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly conduct when they appeared before Mbare Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunga.

In a candid courtroom admission, the women declared they earned their living through sex work. They were each fined US$50, or face 45 days imprisonment if they fail to pay.

Pedzisai, who was labelled a "betrayer of his unborn child and wife" by the court, was slapped with a heavier US$100 fine. Magistrate Mukurunga condemned his actions as particularly disgraceful, given his family responsibilities.

"Public sex is a crime, and no corner is too dark to escape the reach of the law," warned Magistrate Mukurunga.

The steamy incident took place around 9pm on June 9, when Constable Precious Manyimbiri of ZRP Southlea Park and her patrol team acted on a tip-off and caught the foursome in the act.

Prosecutor Simbiso Shonhiwa said officers arrived just in time to disrupt the group mid-act, leading to an embarrassing and immediate arrest.

The court's ruling comes amid growing concerns about rising incidents of public indecency in the capital. Authorities have urged the public to report such behaviour and warned offenders of stern consequences.

As for Pedzisai and his companions, their brush with the law serves as a stark reminder: not even the shadows of Southlea Park can shield you from justice.