Monday, April 7, 2025 - The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for a deputy headmaster accused of s0d0mizing more than 35 pupils at Masase High School in Mberengwa.
The suspect, Anywhere Gumbo, allegedly fled the school last
Friday (April 4) after police arrived to investigate the shocking allegations.
Gumbo, who worked at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Zimbabwe (ELCZ)-run school, remains at large. Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko,
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are
ongoing but no arrests have been made.
Sources reveal that Gumbo allegedly lured pupils to his
office under false pretenses before sexually assaulting them. The case came to
light after an anonymous tip-off prompted a joint investigation by police and
the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
“The police and education officials acted after receiving
an anonymous letter from a teacher,” a source close to the
investigation disclosed.
Disturbingly, reports suggest the abuse had been ongoing for
years but went unreported due to the school’s restrictive policies. Parents
claim the headmaster, Mr. Albion Masukume, enforced a rule requiring pupils to
report issues directly to him—a policy that allegedly allowed the abuse to
continue unchecked.
“The headmaster’s strict reporting system forced victims
into silence. Many pupils suffered in fear,” said a parent whose child was
among the victims.
Some parents and teachers have accused Masukume of
attempting to suppress the allegations. However, in a letter to parents,
Masukume acknowledged the reports while denying any involvement in a cover-up.
“I write with deep sorrow to inform you that serious
allegations against a staff member have been reported. Authorities are
conducting thorough investigations,” he stated.
The case has sparked outrage, with calls for swift justice
and better protections for students. Child rights activists are urging schools
to implement safer reporting mechanisms to prevent such abuses in the future.
Police are appealing to the public for information leading
to Gumbo’s arrest. Meanwhile, counseling services have been offered to the
affected pupils.
0 Comments