A storm of controversy is brewing around Waddilove High School, a prestigious Methodist-run institution in Marondera, following allegations of indecent assault against an English Literature teacher, Patrick Nyahwo. While Nyahwo was acquitted of the charges earlier this year, the scandal refuses to die down, with online rumours continuing to circulate and cast a shadow over the school’s reputation.
The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ), which oversees the school, has dismissed the social media rumours as “fake and untrue” and insists that the school is operating as normal. “We are not giving in to demands of people who spread falsehoods. There is normalcy at our school and it is business as usual,” said Daniel Muzenda, the MCZ’s secretary for education.
The allegations against Nyahwo, who was cleared by both a Marondera magistrate and a government disciplinary committee, initially emerged in the form of an anonymous letter signed by “A Concerned Parent.” The letter accused the school of protecting Nyahwo from accusations of misconduct against female learners.
However, the magistrate, Sharon Rakafa, dismissed the accusations as “work politics” and ruled that the doubt surrounding the allegations worked in Nyahwo’s favour. She acquitted him of the charges, concluding that the evidence presented did not meet the required standard of proof.
Nyahwo, who had been suspended for three months pending the finalisation of the court case, was ultimately cleared of all wrongdoing. Despite this, the online rumours persist, alleging that the school is shielding Nyahwo and that the transfer of teachers who were deemed to be against him is a result of the scandal.
Muzenda vehemently denied these claims, stating that teacher transfers are a routine practice within the MCZ.
“As for the issue of transfers, it is false to say that they emanate from this issue. It is a routine thing within our organisations. Teachers or school heads can be transferred following necessary procedures. For example, we have a school head who was transferred five times, rotating our schools. It’s not new at all,” he said.
The accusations against Nyahwo initially sparked outrage and concern, with some learners testifying against him during the court proceedings. However, these testimonies were later revealed to have been “coached” by another teacher, further casting doubt on the validity of the allegations.
