A disturbing case of alleged child abuse has rocked Masase High School in Mberengwa, Zimbabwe, with the deputy headmaster accused of sodomizing over 35 pupils. Anywhere Gumbo, who worked at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe (ELCZ)-run school, is currently on the run after police arrived to investigate the allegations on Friday, April 4.
According to sources, Gumbo lured pupils to his office where he sexually abused them. The abuse reportedly went on for some time, but was not reported earlier due to the headmaster’s strict reporting policy, which required pupils to talk to him directly if they wanted to report anything. An anonymous tip-off from a teacher led to the police and Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials visiting the school to investigate.
Some parents and teachers have accused Headmaster Albion Masukume of trying to cover up the abuse. In a letter to parents, Masukume confirmed that the allegations had been reported but denied any involvement. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the police are conducting thorough investigations.
Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, spokesperson for the Midlands provincial police, confirmed that Gumbo has not been arrested yet. Parents are outraged, and the incident has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of students in schools. The case highlights the need for robust measures to prevent and address child abuse in educational institutions.
end//..
