A SENIOR official in the Primary and Secondary Education ministry has revealed a shocking culture of sexual abuse in schools perpetrated by school staff, with cases having gone unreported for years.
This admission came after NewsDay inquired about an alleged incident of sexual abuse committed by a senior staff member at Allan Wilson Boys High School in Harare.
In response to the inquiry, the official acknowledged that sexual abuse of learners by school staff was not a new issue, but “rampant in schools” across the country.
The revelation followed a recent exposé at Masase High School in Mberengwa, where the deputy head is under investigation for allegedly sexually abusing up to 30 learners.
In the latest case at Allan Wilson, a boarding school in Milton Park low-density suburb, school head Tafara Zhou reportedly targeted and abused vulnerable boys at the school.
It is alleged one of his victims endured abuse for four years before confiding in a female staff member, bringing the matter to light.
NewsDay established that the victim, whose name cannot be disclosed for ethical reasons, has since reported the matter at Milton Park Police Station under Report Book Record Number 6190896.
The boy was enrolled at the school in 2021 as a Form 3 learner until December 2024 when he completed his Advanced Level studies.
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The learner claims that he was being sodomised in exchange for “free” learning at the school.
“He came from a disadvantaged family and could not pay the US$700 boarding fee,” a teacher at the school, who spoke to NewsDay on condition of anonymity, said.
“The school head catered for his educational expenses.”
After years of abuse, he narrated his ordeal to a teacher at the school, who advised him to report the matter.
When the school head discovered that the boy had reported him, he refused to release his Advance Level results until the intervention of other staff members at the school.
Fearing for his life, the juvenile confided in the schoolteachers about the developments and told them that he feared for his life as the school head was threatening him.
Upon realising that the boy had reported him again, Zhou reportedly took the juvenile’s mobile phone, which he allegedly bought for him.
According to WhatsApp recordings and messages in the possession of NewsDay, the boy narrated his ordeal to one of the teachers decrying the threats he was receiving for reporting the matter to the police.
A medical affidavit dated April 7, 2025, seen by NewsDay, shows that the victim has since been medically examined at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals
An official in the Primary and Secondary Education ministry told NewsDay that cases of sexual abuse of learners were common.
“You media guys want to make it like this is something new,” the official said.
“Which school did you go to? So were these cases not there?
“What about those cases at Mukaro [Girls High]? Are these new cases?
“These days it’s because of technology that these cases are being brought to light, but there is nothing surprising.”
Zhou referred NewsDay to ministry officials when he was contacted for comment.
“The ministry officials will respond to those allegations,” he said.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the safety and well-being of pupils are of paramount importance to the ministry, “and we treat all allegations of misconduct with the utmost seriousness”.
“Our preliminary response is that the ministry is aware of the allegations brought forward regarding Allan Wilson High School. We are currently gathering information from all relevant parties, including school staff, pupils and guardians,” Ndoro said.
“Upon receiving the report, the ministry initiated immediate protocols. This includes securing testimonies, ensuring support for the affected pupil (eg, counselling services) and liaising with school leadership to prevent potential interference with the process.
“All schools are mandated to follow the guidelines, which include mandatory reporting of abuse, pupil counselling access and staff training on safeguarding. The ministry maintains a 24/7 whistleblower hotline 317 for anonymous reporting.”
Ndoro confirmed that the police were notified and the ministry would “fully co-operate” with their inquiry.
“This process includes collaboration with law enforcement authorities, as criminal allegations fall under their jurisdiction,” he said.
“The ministry emphasises that such claims will be rigorously examined alongside the evidence.
“We recognise that institutional tensions may arise, but they do not preclude accountability for violations of pupil welfare. Our investigation will remain objective, evidence-based and sensitive to all parties involved.
“We appreciate your diligence in bringing this matter to our attention.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was checking on the matter.
