adminLiberty Dube and Tendai Gukutikwa
A TEACHER at Rutsate Primary School in Mutasa District who is facing allegations of exposing schoolchildren to pornographic material as well as bedding one of the minors has been suspended from work pending investigations.
Mutasa District Education Officer, Mr Zachariah Chikwangwani, said Michael Ngwarai, who was teaching a special class at the school, had been suspended for alleged improper involvement with female pupils.
“We are currently investigating the case.
“Mr Michael Ngwarai faces allegations of improperly having relations with female pupils at the school.
“He has been suspended for three months as we look into the matter and he is expected to attend a hearing soon,” said Mr Chikwangwani.
A teacher at the school who requested anonymity, said at least 16 pupils confessed to have watched pornographic video clips with the teacher.
“It all started when Mr Ngwarai was in May 2015 found in a tea plantation with a Grade 7 pupil on a particular Sunday by a parent who reported the matter to the school authorities.
“Most of the girls were asked to write reports after a child protection group approached the school authorities over the matter. Some sexual abuse allegations were also raised after another girl confessed to have been sexually abused by Ngwarai,” said the teacher.
Education authorities on January 25 this year interviewed two representatives of the child protection group and two of the pupils who wrote the reports.
When contacted for comment, Ngwarai confirmed that he was on suspension over the allegations, but insisted that he was innocent.
He said the allegations were mere fabrications.
“Someone is out there to tarnish my image.
“These are mere fabrications. However, I would have preferred to see you in person so that I can give you finer details,” said Ngwarai who had earlier on promised to meet The Weekender for a “detailed account” of his own side of the story.
Online Reporter