Zimbabwean Carer Caught In The Act Helping Self Inside Car Arrested, Convicted

A 24-year-old Zimbabwean care worker, Dum**** Mpofu, has been convicted of committing a public sex act after a female dog walker spotted him in his car in the residential area of Blackfordby, near Ashby, on February 12. The incident left the woman “shocked” and led to a swift complaint being lodged with Leicestershire Police.

Mpofu was arrested at his workplace shortly after the report was filed but denied the allegations when questioned. However, during his trial at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, the dog walker testified, leading to Mpofu being found guilty of exposure despite his initial not-guilty plea.

During sentencing on November 22, Mpofu reportedly admitted to the Probation Service that he had been video-calling his girlfriend in Zimbabwe at the time of the act. His defense lawyer, Wayne Hardy, described the incident as an impulsive act. “It was clearly not the time or the place,” Hardy told the court, adding that Mpofu had been of good character and had no prior convictions.

The conviction has had a significant impact on Mpofu’s life. He lost his job at the care home where he was employed and now faces the possibility of dismissal from another similar position he secured after the trial.

Despite the seriousness of the charge, magistrates handed Mpofu a nine-month community order. He was fined £311, ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge, and £620 in court costs. He must also attend a rehabilitation program but will not be placed on the sex offenders register.

The case has drawn mixed reactions, with some members of the public criticizing the perceived leniency of the sentence, especially given the incident occurred in a residential area during daylight. Concerns have also been raised about safeguarding in care professions.

As Mpofu begins his rehabilitation, questions linger about the broader implications of the case on professional standards in caregiving roles.