A headmaster and a deputy head from two different Zimbabwean schools are at the center of separate sexual abuse scandals involving male students.
Tafara Zhou, the principal of Allan Wilson Boys’ High School, has been charged with aggravated indecent assault after a 19-year-old student accused him of sustained sexual abuse over two years.
Zhou made a court appearance over the weekend but did not enter a plea. The student said he met Zhou in 2022 when he was looking for help with tuition.
The headmaster allegedly offered to pay the fees on the condition that the student agree to a sexual relationship.
“In June 2022, Zhou called me to his car and demanded a sexual relationship since he was paying for everything,” the student said. “He threatened to expel me if I refused.”
The abuse allegedly occurred again in early 2023, first in a laundry room on campus and then at Zhou’s home.
The most egregious instance, according to the victim, took place during a school trip to Victoria Falls. Zhou reportedly separated him from the group and booked a room for them.
“He booked a room and abused me for three days,” the student stated. “It happened again on our way back to Harare.”
Zhou is also accused of deleting evidence from the boy’s phone and using his authority to intimidate him.
The student eventually reported the matter after being expelled for attempting to seek help from his teachers to register for exams.
A supportive teacher helped him bring the allegations to light, which led to the arrest.
Simultaneously, another scandal has erupted at Masase High School in Mberengwa, where deputy head Anymore Gumbo has allegedly assaulted up to 35 boys. Gumbo is currently in hiding.
“We are identifying victims. So far, one complaint has been recorded,” said police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Masase’s head, Albion Masukume, sent a letter to parents that read: “I write with sorrow to inform you that allegations of child abuse by one of our staff members were reported. Investigations are underway.”
The abuse came to light through an anonymous tip to education authorities, who are now urging more victims to come forward.