Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Court Reporter
A teacher at Bulawayo’s Milton High School, who was accused of improper conduct, has been acquitted after the magistrate ruled that the case lacked merit. Bulawayo magistrate Ms Beverly Madzikatire cleared Tyson Lunga (36), who was facing six counts of improper conduct with students, who alleged he solicited sexual relations with them.
Ms Madzikatire said their allegations lacked merit, as they were not made in a timely and voluntary manner.
She also said the students claimed that he sent them sexually explicit messages, which they also failed to present in court.
“The complainants in counts one and two’s evidence materially differed from the evidence of the person that he told of the offence.
“Secondly, he alleged that the accused sent him sexually explicit messages, but none of the messages were tendered in court,” said Ms Madzikatire.
She said the accusations that Lunga had fondled the buttocks of another complainant at a busy area in the CBD were questionable, as there were no witnesses to buttress the allegations.
“On all counts, no report was made timeously and voluntarily; the students only reported after being questioned by the teachers.
“Therefore, the accused’s defence that these allegations were formulated by the named teachers is probable,” said Ms Madzikatire.
Lunga was represented by Ms Constance Mathaba of Makiya and Partners.
In his defence, Ms Mathaba said the allegations lacked merit as they occurred at unknown locations and dates.
She argued that the allegations were formulated by two teachers (names withheld) after he was transferred from another school in September last year.
Ms Mathaba said Lunga, thereafter, filed an official complaint with the school head about the rumours, which reportedly fell on deaf ears.
She said Lunga believes this was all a deliberate ploy to damage his reputation, allegedly orchestrated by two fellow teachers.
“His move was preceded by rumours that he was into homosexuality. From the time he moved to the school, he was suspected of being homosexual. He says two teachers created the rumours of the alleged homosexuality,” said Ms Mathaba.
Lunga, a pastor at one of the country’s largest Pentecostal churches and a volunteer with the Scripture Union, has served as a patron for various clubs in schools.
Lunga stood accused of indecently assaulting several students at the school, allegedly buying their silence with cash and food, such as burgers.
Court documents detailed multiple disturbing incidents, in which he would allegedly try to entice the complainants with cash, food and flashy material items.
Lunga had been out on bail pending the completion of the matter. He was arrested sometime in June this year, after the students, with the assistance of one of the other members of staff, reported the matter to the police.
They claimed the incidents occurred in May this year.
