Rape convict Founders High School teacher fails to attend court for appeal

A Bulawayo teacher who was convicted of raping a 17-year-old learner and sentenced to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment failed to attend the hearing of his appeal against both conviction and sentence at the Bulawayo High Court, resulting in the dismissal of his appeal.

Obed Rwatiringa, a former Biology teacher at Founders High School, was scheduled to appear last Friday before Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi for the hearing of his appeal.
However, he and his lawyer failed to attend the court session, prompting the court to dismiss the appeal.

Justice Mutevedzi, in his ruling, said: “The applicant is a no-show and his lawyer, Mr Tinashe Runganga, did not attend. The matter is dismissed.”
Prosecuting, Chief Public Prosecutor Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza said that earlier last month 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,” said Mr Jaravaza.

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.