Joseph Chirume
Zambian coach Milutin Sredojevic is learning the hard way that fondling a woman’s body without her consent is not a joke.
Sredojevic appeared for the second time today at the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court in Qqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, facing sexual assault charges.
He will appear again on 25 May for trial at the New Law Court. His bail of R10,000 was extended to the same date.
NPA regional spokesperson, Anelisa Ngcakani said during the Cosafa Games in Qqeberha on 7 December a woman took Sredojevic coffee at the Wolfson Stadium and asked him if he needed anything. He allegedly said he needed another type of sugar, pointing at her private parts.
The complainant complained to her boss who warned Sredojevic, but later the same day Sredojevic allegedly touched her buttocks.
The court case attracted a small group of women activists who had come to give support to the victim.
ANC spokesperson for the Young Women’s Desk, Nomafa Sinetile told Scrolla.Africa it was a very important case because it was not penetrative rape nor was there aggression.
“Most attention is given to penetrative rape but touching a woman’s body without her consent is a worse form of rape. That is body shaming and reducing the dignity of the victim,” she said.
“We want to see justice being done and this case should set an example that women’s bodies should not be touched without agreement. The South African law should set a good example with this case.”
