Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
IN the wake of a harrowing incident that has shaken the Masasi community in Mutare District—a gang rape of a learner at Masasi High School—the police have launched an intensified awareness campaign aimed at confronting sexual violence and restoring a sense of safety.
The campaign, which includes school visits, community dialogues, and media outreach, marks a pivotal shift in law enforcement’s approach to gender-based violence.
As outrage and grief ripple through the region, authorities are working, not only to bring justice to the victim, but also to spark a broader cultural reckoning around protection, accountability, and education.
The latest campaigns follow a disturbing incident in which two male learners from Masasi High School were captured on video that went viral on social media, sexually abusing a female learner.
The incident, which sparked nationwide outrage, was concealed by the school authorities for seven months, prompting the police to launch a targeted educational initiative aimed at curbing similar offences in schools.
Despite being allegedly aware of the incident, the school head – one Mr Kwembeya – and his administration did not do anything, and only sprung to action when the videos went viral on various social media platforms.
It was only then that the alleged perpetrators as well as the victim were expelled, instead of protecting her.
The girl’s mother was kept in the dark. The two suspects, aged 17 and 16 respectively, have since appeared before Mutare regional magistrate, Mrs Pathekile Msipa, facing allegations of rape, aggravated indecent assault, and indecent assault.
In the first count, the suspects were charged with rape as defined in Section 65(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23), while in the second count, they were being charged with aggravated indecent assault as defined in Section 66 (b) (ii) of the Criminal Law and (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
In count three, they were charged with indecent assault as defined in Section 67 (1) (a) (I) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
They were denied bail and remanded in custody until October 14 for routine remand.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the campaign seeks to educate learners about the dangers of engaging in criminal acts, sexual misconduct, drug abuse, and the irresponsible use of technology.
He added that the police took the opportunity to teach learners about respect, discipline, and the importance of making morally upright decisions.
The police have decided to take the message directly to schools to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“We saw it fit to go on the ground, and speak to the learners after the incident that shook the nation. As police, our goal is, not only to arrest offenders, but also to prevent crime through education and awareness. We are urging learners to refrain from drug and substance abuse, sexual misconduct, and other criminal acts that may destroy their future. These vices, not only bring shame to the individual and their families, but can also lead to arrest and a criminal record, which affects one’s chances of getting employment in the future,” he said, further warning learners against frequenting bars or premises that sell alcohol, stressing that drug and substance abuse is a growing problem among schoolchildren, and often a trigger for other forms of misconduct, including violence and sexual offences.
The awareness team also cautioned learners against misusing electronic gadgets, reminding them that taking pictures or videos of others without their consent, or sharing explicit material online, is a criminal offence under the country’s cyber laws.
“We urged them to use technology responsibly and to report cases of cyberbullying or exploitation to the authorities,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, further stressing that exposure to inappropriate media content, such as pornographic videos and images, is harmful to the psychological development of young people and could lead to behavioural problems, lack of empathy, and moral decay.
He encouraged learners to focus on their education and to respect themselves and others, noting that every learner has a responsibility to uphold the values of integrity and discipline both within and outside school premises.
“Our officers also urged learners to maintain appropriate boundaries with the opposite sex and to avoid situations that could lead to exploitation or misunderstanding,” he said, adding that learners were advised to be cautious about undue familiarity with teachers and peers, and to report any suspicious behaviour to trusted authorities.
Another key part of the campaign focused on the dangers of accepting gifts or favours from strangers or adults outside the family, as these could be used to manipulate or exploit them.
In addition, the police advised learners to avoid walking alone in bushy or secluded areas, especially during odd hours, and to always move in groups for their safety.
Teachers at Masasi High School were urged to remain calm and not to spread unverified information regarding the viral incident, as this could interfere with ongoing investigations.
“The teachers were also reminded of the importance of promptly reporting any sexual or criminal misconduct among pupils to the police and other relevant authorities,” he said.
The police have since pledged to extend similar awareness programmes to other schools across Marange and Manicaland as part of their ongoing efforts to create safer learning environments and strengthen relations between law enforcement and the education sector.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the police remains committed to protect learners and ensure that schools remain free from crime and social ills.
The initiative has been hailed as a positive step towards restoring public confidence in the education system and reinforcing the shared responsibility of parents, teachers, and law enforcement in shaping the behaviour and future of young people.
