Founders High School teacher back in jail to serve 20 years for rape

A Bulawayo teacher who was convicted and sentenced to an effective 20 years in jail for raping a 17-year-old student has had his freedom cut short after his appeal against conviction and sentence was dismissed by Bulawayo High Court judges.

Obed Rwatiringa, a former Biology teacher at Founders High School, had been out of prison after being granted bail pending appeal, but was returned to jail yesterday to serve his 20-year sentence at Khami Maximum Prison.

His failure to attend the hearing prompted Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, sitting with Justice Bongani Ndlovu, to dismiss the appeal.

His lawyer, Mr Tinashe Runganga, also failed to reinstate the appeal.

The court heard that in May this year, Rwatiringa sent the complainant to buy pies before proposing a romantic relationship to her.

The girl reported the matter to the school’s guidance and counselling teacher.

On 21 February, shortly after 1pm, Rwatiringa summoned the complainant for extra lessons in the science laboratory.

“After the lesson, he grabbed the complainant’s left hand and forced her onto a chair,” the court heard.

The court heard that the girl screamed and tried to resist, but Rwatiringa overpowered her before raping her.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to Rwatiringa’s arrest. The complainant was later referred to hospital for a medical examination.