Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has launched investigations into a string of sexual abuse allegations involving teachers and school authorities in Manicaland Province, describing the claims as serious violations of children’s rights and pledging to ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
In a statement issued this week, the Commission said it is assessing four separate cases reported between June 2024 and June 2026, and has since engaged key stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, as part of efforts to establish the facts.
The cases under investigation involve allegations of sexual offences against learners at St David’s Bonda Girls’ High School in Mutasa District, Claremont High School in Nyanga District, New Wonderland Academy in Mutare District and Hillside College in Dangamvura, Mutare.
According to the Commission, investigations are focusing, not only on the alleged offences, but also on how the institutions responded to the reports and whether adequate safeguarding measures were in place to protect learners.
The development comes amid growing public concern over a number of alleged sexual abuse cases involving school officials in Manicaland, some of which have drawn widespread attention after suspects reportedly fled their workstations following the allegations.
One of the most high-profile cases involves Anesu Mautsa (48) of Florida, Mutare, a former teacher at St David’s Bonda Girls’ High School, who was declared a fugitive by the police after he was allegedly caught releasing a 17-year-old Upper Six learner from his house at the mission school.
Authorities have since been searching for him.
At Claremont High School, acting deputy headmaster, Simon Muzerengi (50) is also reportedly on the run after allegedly molesting a 17-year-old Form Three learner at his residence.
Muzerengi is facing an indecent assault charge as defined under Section 67 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
Allegations have also surfaced that some reported cases involving learners at the school may not have reached prosecution despite being reported.
In its statement, ZGC said it first became aware of the allegations involving one of the accused individuals in June 2024 following a referral from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. The Commission said it subsequently monitored related court proceedings to their conclusion and has continued to track developments surrounding similar cases.
“The Commission confirms that it is currently assessing allegations involving a teacher and a minor at St David’s Bonda Girls’ High School in Mutasa District, a deputy headmaster and a minor at Claremont High School in Nyanga District, a school head and three minors at New Wonderland Academy in Mutare District, and a school head and a minor at Hillside College in Dangamvura, Mutare,” reads part of the statement.
The Commission said engagements with school authorities and other stakeholders are ongoing as investigators seek to establish the facts, evaluate institutional responses and identify weaknesses that may have exposed learners to abuse.
“These engagements are intended to establish the facts, assess institutional responses to the allegations and identify any gaps in safeguarding mechanisms that may have exposed learners to harm,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting children, the Commission stressed that every learner has a right to study in a safe environment free from abuse, exploitation and violence.
“The Commission reiterates that every child has the right to learn in a safe, secure and supportive environment free from all forms of abuse, exploitation and violence. Educational institutions and all responsible authorities have a non-negotiable duty to protect learners and uphold their rights and dignity.”
The ZGC urged members of the public with relevant information to assist investigations and pledged to continue engaging affected families while safeguarding the integrity of the ongoing inquiries.
“The Zimbabwe Gender Commission remains committed to ensuring that all learners in Zimbabwe enjoy a safe learning environment and that justice is pursued for survivors of gender-based violence. The Commission stands in solidarity with affected learners and their families and will continue to provide updates as appropriate while safeguarding the integrity of the investigations,” the statement said.
