Zim Gender Commission investigations Manicaland schools on sexual offences

By Our Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission has launched investigations into a series of disturbing sexual offence allegations involving teachers and school heads across four educational institutions in Manicaland Province, including the prominent St David’s Bonda School.

The Commission confirmed yesterday that it is actively seized with multiple cases, the earliest of which came to light in June 2024 through a referral from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. That initial matter, involving a teacher and learners at St David’s Bonda School in Mutasa District, was monitored through court proceedings to their conclusion. However, fresh allegations emerging in June 2026 have prompted the Commission to widen its inquiry significantly.

In a statement released to the press, the Commission revealed that it is currently assessing four separate cases spanning Nyanga and Mutare districts. These include an alleged sexual offence involving a teacher and a minor at St David’s Bonda Girls High School in Nyanga District, and a separate case involving a deputy headmaster and a minor at Montclair High School, also in Nyanga. Further afield, allegations have emerged against a school head at New Wonderland Academy in Mutare District, who is accused of sexually offending three minors, while Hillside College in Dangamvura, Mutare, faces allegations involving its head and a single minor.

The Commission has moved swiftly, engaging the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland to establish the full circumstances surrounding the matters. Ongoing engagements with school authorities and other stakeholders are said to be focused on establishing facts, assessing institutional responses, and identifying any safeguarding gaps that may have left learners vulnerable to harm.

“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,” the statement read. “Educational institutions and all responsible authorities have a non-negotiable duty to protect learners and uphold their rights and dignity.”

The Commission has called upon members of the public who may possess relevant information to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations, while expressing solidarity with the affected learners and their families. Further updates will be provided as appropriate, subject to the need to safeguard the integrity of the investigations, the Commission added.