Harare – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a comprehensive investigation into multiple allegations of sexual abuse at several prominent boys’ schools in Harare, following disturbing reports from students spanning over four years.
The investigation comes amid growing concern as senior staff members, including school heads, have been implicated as alleged perpetrators in a scandal that threatens to tarnish the reputation of the country’s education system.
Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed to NewsDay that the ZRP had received reports concerning sexual abuse at Allan Wilson High School, Prince Edward High School, and Blakiston Junior School.
“Reference is made to your telephone call on alleged sodomy cases at Allan Wilson, Blakiston and Prince Edward schools,” Nyathi said. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that reports have been received from the schools and investigations are in progress. Most of the reports allege criminal acts by fellow students, except one against a school headmaster.”
Allan Wilson High School head, Tafara Zhou, is currently under investigation in connection with a reported case of aggravated indecent assault at the school. The victim alleges that he was abused for years until he completed his Advanced Level studies at the school last year.
Meanwhile, the ZRP has intensified its manhunt for Anyway Gumbo, the deputy head of Masase High School in Mberengwa, who is wanted on allegations of performing sexual indecent assault on more than 30 male students.
The nation was left devastated when it was reported that over thirty-five boys from Masase High School in Mberengwa were allegedly subjected to horrific acts of sexual abuse by the acting Deputy Head. It is alleged that Gumbo lured his unsuspecting victims into his office under the guise of offering academic assistance.
However, he has since gone missing, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for the suspect.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse that took place at Masase High School in Mberengwa. As we speak, a team from the ZRP’s Friendly Unit, along with officials from the Department of Social Welfare, is on the ground providing psychological support to the affected individuals,” ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
The matter came to light when an anonymous letter was sent to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, detailing the tragic allegations of abuse.
Police have confirmed that they are investigating allegations of aggravated indecent assault against Anymore Gumbo, the Deputy Headmaster of Masase High School in Mberengwa.
In a statement released on Monday, April 7, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police are working to verify the claims and identify possible victims. He said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating reports of aggravated indecent assault against the Deputy Headmaster of Masase High School, in Mberengwa, AnyMore Gumbo. A team from Zimbabwe Republic Police is currently probing the allegations and identifying potential complainants. So far, one complainant has been identified. More details will be released as investigations unfold.”
Gumbo is currently on the run after being accused of sexually molesting over 30 pupils at the boarding school. He is alleged to have sodomised several boys over time, with a recent incident involving a Form Two student who sustained injuries.
The student reported experiencing severe discomfort, which led to fellow pupils alerting staff and breaking the silence surrounding the allegations. Gumbo reportedly left the school premises last Friday night as law enforcement officials arrived to investigate and question him.
The situation came to light after one pupil required medical attention following the alleged assault. This medical intervention led to a series of accusations.
In a letter to parents and guardians dated April 3, headmaster Albion Masukume confirmed that investigations are ongoing, involving both the police and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. He wrote: “I write with deep sorrow to inform you that allegations of child abuse by one of our staff members was reported. Currently thorough investigations by Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the police are underway. The alleged victim was taken to hospital swiftly and was examined by a medical doctor. A police report was filed with the Victim Friendly Unit at Mberengwa Charge Office the same day. Meanwhile the alleged perpetrator is not at the station and being sought after for interrogation so that he responds to the allegations.”
Another deputy school head at Masase High School in Mberengwa, Anymore Gumbo, is also under investigation for allegedly sexually abusing up to 30 learners at the school.
Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that reports have been received from the schools and investigations are in progress. Most of the reports allege criminal acts by fellow students, except one against a school headmaster.”
The investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the abuse.
