adminAT law, an accused person is considered innocent until proved guilty by a court process, which is essentially a trial. Elsewhere in this issue we carry a disturbing story in which a senior teacher at a high school in Mutasa District stands accused of having sexual intercourse with a Form Two pupil who, in the process, contracted a deadly sexually transmitted infection.
These are the type of stories that shock many a parent especially those with children at boarding schools. Sexual abuse of women, girls in particular, is on the increase with sickening cases being reported daily. What is striking in this high school case is that the abuse was known long back by the school authorities but nothing tangible has been done to put the pieces to the puzzle together.
We repeat that the accused senior teacher is an innocent person until proven otherwise by the courts. We however, find it awkward for a case of such a serious nature to be taken lightly like what seems to be the case now. Parents are paying hundreds of dollars in fees each term to send their children to that school expecting authorities to take good care of them.
When an institution is confronted with a grave matter like the one before this school, those in power must spearhead investigations and not to throw spanners in the works. If facts that the girl was abused early this year are anything to go by and nothing has been done to bring the culprit to book then justice delayed is justice denied.
Maybe the case is being handled recklessly because the girl is an orphan. If that innocent child had parents back home we will be witnessing a different thing all together. But in the eyes of justice, everyone is deemed equal. If this case has not reached the ears of the police, by merely reading this piece we hope our law enforcements agents, who are well equipped to deal with cases of this nature; will visit the school to investigate.
Such stories cannot just die, the truth need to be exposed. If those implicated have no story to answer they must be made to do so by clearing their names. We hope activists and other well-wishers who champion the cause of the girl child will join in and help this orphaned girl who seems to require more support at this juncture in her lifetime.
A thorough investigation into this case will put the name of the school in good light because the prevailing status quo has badly soiled it. That school, as we know it, is bigger than individuals and thus the case must be bared for all to see. We are confident that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will quickly conduct its investigations and set the record straight.
Let’s protect children.
Online Reporter