Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE recent abuse case at Bonda Girls High School has exposed some of the cases that had previously gone unreported at other institutions.
These include allegations of sexual abuse, physical assault, and cyberbullying, H-Metro has established.
Now, Langham Girls High School-based in Chiweshe under Mashonaland Central Province — has come under the spotlight over the presence of four boys enrolled at the girls-only institution.
The four boys are popularly known as “the four sisters.”
They are children of teachers at the school and live together with their teacher-parents on campus.
Following abuse allegations at Bonda Girls High School, some parents and guardians raised fresh concerns at Langham Girls High School.
They argue that the arrangement creates risks for the students—especially because the boys are part of staff families and may draw attention and invite bullying or abuse.
“Please help us engage Langham Girls High School to explain why only four boys were enrolled at a school they consider for girls only,” said one parent.
The parent also said the school’s extended study time, which begins at 9pm, may increase vulnerability.
“To make matters worse, girls are led to their dormitories at night by male security officers,” the parent added.
“As we speak, the boys have been nicknamed ‘four sisters’ because they exist at a place where they are not expected. Let them take their boy children to Howard High School, which is close to Langham.
“Our fears are that our daughters might be abused silently and fail to report to avoid victimisation,” the parent said.
The parent said they want assurances that learners are safe during evening studies and on escort to dormitories.
“Apart from that, we want school authorities to assure us how safe the girls are during extended studies that start by 9pm, and after those studies, when male security officers escort the girls to their dormitories,” the parent said.
When contacted for comment, the school deputy head, Mrs Muto, assured parents and guardians that the learners are safe.
“We have four boys at the school and we have not received any complaints yet concerning their behaviour or them falling victims,” she said.
However, she did not directly respond to questions about the extended study time and the involvement of male security officers in escorting learners.
At Mutare Boys High School, one student was reported to have fled after he was physically assaulted by the head boy and his deputy, while seven prefects allegedly watched.
The learner is currently receiving treatment after he escaped and narrated how he was assaulted.
“We have been disturbed to hear about a student who was assaulted and forced to do sex moves with his bed as punishment while other students watched.
“Teachers have been authorising some prefects to assault other learners so they remain safe in case of incidences.
This is so disturbing and painful,” said one parent.
The parent added that school authorities must not dismiss victims or threaten learners for reporting.
“School authorities must not leave learners being victimised and threaten them with dismissal if cases are reported,” the parent said.
Meanwhile, Anesu Mautsa is still on the run after allegations of abusing students at Bonda High School.
