Mberengwa – A cloud of scandal hangs over Masase High School in Mberengwa as Anywhere Gumbo, the deputy headmaster, has gone on the run following allegations that he sodomised over 35 male pupils. The school, run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe (ELCZ), is now at the centre of a police investigation, leaving parents and teachers reeling.
For a long time, Masase High School stood as a beacon of hope for many families, a place where dreams flourished under the guidance of dedicated teachers. However, beneath its storied walls, a dark secret festered – one that would shatter the lives of many.
Anywhere Gumbo, the deputy headmaster, was once regarded as a charismatic figure in the Mberengwa community.
With his warm smile and open-door policy, he seemed to embody the spirit of mentorship. Parents trusted him, believing he had their children’s best interests at heart. Yet, as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving.
It is alleged that Gumbo exploited his position, luring over 35 boys into his office under the guise of offering academic help. The boys, eager to please and afraid of disappointing an authority figure, found themselves trapped in a nightmare.
The breaking point came when an anonymous letter reached the Ministry of Education, detailing the horrific abuse allegations. The letter, penned by a fellow teacher who suspected something was amiss, ignited a chain reaction. Investigators descended upon the school, only to find that Gumbo had vanished into thin air, leaving behind a trail of anguish.
The deputy headmaster reportedly fled from the school on Friday, just as police arrived to conduct their investigations. Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed that Gumbo is currently at large. “We are appealing to members of the public to assist with any information that may lead to his arrest,” he said.
Sources say Gumbo would lure pupils to his office to sexually abuse them. “The police and officials from the Ministry of Education have been on the ground after they received an anonymous letter from one of the teachers over the issue,” said a source familiar with the investigation.
The allegations have sparked outrage and fear among parents, many of whom are now questioning the safety of their children at the school. One parent, whose child is allegedly among the victims, expressed their anger and frustration: “The school head has a very tight policy which requires pupils to talk to him if they want to report anything, and this has seen the majority of the pupils being sodomised in silence.” This policy, the parent claims, has effectively silenced victims and allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.
Adding to the controversy, some parents and teachers are accusing the headmaster, Mr Albion Masukume, of attempting to suppress the scandal. It is alleged that Mr Masukume was aware of the allegations but failed to take appropriate action, prioritising the school’s reputation over the safety and well-being of the pupils.
Mr Masukume confirmed the probe in a letter to parents but denied involvement. “I write with sorrow to inform you that allegations of child abuse by one of our staff members were reported. Currently, thorough investigations by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the police are underway,” he said in the letter. However, this has done little to quell the anger and distrust felt by many in the community.
The Ministry of Education has dispatched a team of investigators to the school to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and to assess the extent of the abuse. The team will also be tasked with reviewing the school’s policies and procedures to ensure that they are in line with child protection standards.
The ELCZ, which runs Masase High School, has also expressed its shock and condemnation of the alleged abuse. A spokesperson for the church stated that they are fully cooperating with the police investigation and that they are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils at their schools.
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