Harare – A sexual harassment scandal at St. Peter’s Kubatana Industrial Training College, a Roman Catholic-run institution, has taken a disturbing turn, with allegations of a cover-up and threats against journalists investigating the matter. The scandal centres around a lecturer, Kudakwashe Jongwe, who is accused of sending inappropriate messages to students and inviting them to his home under the guise of “extra lessons.”
The controversy has escalated following claims that the college’s Principal, identified as Mr. Gatsi, is shielding teachers accused of sexually exploiting students. A parent, speaking to New Zimbabwe, recounted troubling exchanges with Mr. Gatsi, alleging that the institution has been sweeping similar cases under the carpet. It is alleged that about three cases of sexual harassment are said to have been swept under the carpet in the past year.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Mlambo, the institution’s Acting Principal, issued a veiled threat to this publication, urging it to drop the story. “We can come for you, this is a big institution, this is the Roman Catholic,” Mlambo stated in a conversation with New Zimbabwe. “We don’t want to comment on this issue. Why do you want to write an article that is done? If you were the police we would consider your questions but we do not want to speak about it, this matter is dead.”
The allegations against Jongwe include sending sleazy messages to students and inviting them home for what he claims were “extra lessons.” However, one parent became suspicious after discovering concerning messages on their daughter’s phone. “Jongwe has been harassing my daughter considering his love comments to her,” the parent said. “After taking our matter to the principal, he defended him and that angered me.”
The parent also accused Jongwe of taking their daughter on a questionable shopping spree against their will, further fueling their suspicions.
The situation escalated when Jongwe allegedly took the student shopping, even though she was not initially part of the planned trip. “He then took her for shopping, although she was not part of the trip,” the mother claimed, further fueling her suspicions about the nature of Jongwe’s relationship with her daughter.
Confronted by H-Metro, Jongwe confirmed that there had been an altercation with the student’s mother. “Yes, the parent came here fuming about her daughter,” he acknowledged.
Jongwe offered a different account of the events, claiming that he had included the student on the list of those he was taking to Bulawayo because she was part of the Student Representative Council (SRC). “I had included the student on the list of those I was taking to Bulawayo since she is part of the SRC team,” he explained.
He admitted to taking the student and other students shopping for groceries for the trip, but denied any inappropriate intentions. “I took her along with other students to shop for groceries for the trip and that angered the parent,” Jongwe said. “The parent refused to sign and authorise for her to be part of the trip.”
Jongwe vehemently denied the allegations of sexual misconduct and refuted the claim that he had turned his house into a brothel. “She was quick to accuse me of bedding her daughter and we clashed over such allegations,” he said. “I never turned my house into a brothel as alleged.”
He maintained that any students visiting his house were there for legitimate academic reasons. “Instead, the students coming to my house will be attending extra lessons,” Jongwe insisted. He clarified that the extra lessons were not conducted in his actual residence. “I conduct extra lessons at a house opposite my house,” he stated.
Jongwe also emphasised that he lives with his sister, making it impossible for him to engage in any inappropriate behaviour. “I stay with one of my sisters called Vimbai and there is noway I would accommodate students for sexual abuse,” he asserted.
Deflecting further inquiries, Jongwe directed the reporter to seek clarification from the college principal. “Anywhere, come in person and see my principal for clarity,” said Jongwe.
St. Peter’s Kubatana Industrial Training College is run by Roman Catholic Jesuits, a religious order of priests and brothers in the church. The allegations of sexual harassment and the subsequent threats against journalists have raised serious questions about the institution’s commitment to protecting its students and ensuring transparency.
