Bus driver jailed for molesting passenger

Hamza M Sengendo, Staff Reporter

A bus driver who molested a passenger under death threats and claimed he would commit suicide if she informed the police was jailed for three years on Sunday.

The Asian defendant, 27, mishandled the Tajik saleswoman, 24, under a tree in a sandy area in Jafiliya on April 1 after threatening to kill her or summon other men to gang-rape her in case she resisted his advances.

He told her to go to the bus’ rear seats and asked to be with him. She refused to comply. He slapped her face, choked her and issued threats. The Criminal Court sentenced him to three years in jail plus deportation.

The saleswoman complained that she walked out a mall after finishing work at around 3:00pm. She went to the mall’s bus stop, entered a bus driven by the defendant and told him she was going to a hotel in Deira.

He instead set off towards a residential area in Jafiliya as she was using her mobile, not noticing he changed his course. He drove to the sandy area. He pulled over under a tree and started praising her beauty.

He expressed he wanted her. She asked him whether he would like the same to happen to any of his sisters.

He told her to shut up. She screamed for help. He gagged her and threatened to call his friends to rape her.

He slapped her face and choked her with his hand. She shouted. He slapped her again and vowed to kill her in case she declined to keep quiet. He wanted to sexually assault her but he realised she had an issue.

He molested her after which he entreated her not to tell the police about it because that would mark the end of his life. He said he would commit suicide.

Three corporals testified that the defendant during interrogations told them he parked under a big tree and attacked her. She begged him not to, but he was unwavering.