Headmaster Faces Sexual Abuse Charges in Shocking School Scandal

 

In a disturbing case that has rocked Zimbabwe's education sector, the headmaster of Allan Wilson Boys’ High School, Tafara Zhou, is facing aggravated indecent assault charges following allegations that he sexually abused a male student over a two-year period.

Zhou appeared in court over the weekend but has yet to enter a plea.

According to court testimony, the 19-year-old victim met Zhou in 2022 while seeking financial aid for his education. The headmaster allegedly offered to pay the boy's school fees — a gesture that soon turned dark. "In June 2022, Zhou called me to his car and demanded a sexual relationship since he was paying for everything," the student testified. "He threatened to expel me if I refused."

The alleged abuse reportedly continued into January 2023, when Zhou took the boy to the school’s laundry room. The following month, he is accused of assaulting the student again — this time at his personal residence. The most harrowing incident reportedly occurred during a school trip to Victoria Falls. The victim claims Zhou separated him from other students and drove him alone, eventually booking a private room where the abuse continued for three days.

“It happened again on our way back to Harare,” the student said in court.

Zhou is also accused of taking the boy’s phone and deleting potential evidence, warning him not to speak out because “no one would believe him” due to Zhou’s influence and connections. The abuse only came to light after Zhou allegedly expelled the student when he sought help from teachers to register for exams. With the support of a concerned teacher, the student filed an official report earlier this year, leading to the headmaster’s arrest.

The Allan Wilson case follows another horrific child abuse scandal at Masase High School in Mberengwa, where deputy headmaster Anymore Gumbo has been accused of sexually abusing up to 35 boys. Gumbo is currently on the run as police continue their investigation.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case, stating, “We are identifying victims. So far, one complaint has been recorded.”

Masase High School headmaster, Albion Masukume, addressed the situation in a letter to parents:

"I write with sorrow to inform you that allegations of child abuse by one of our staff members were reported. Investigations are underway."

The scandal was uncovered following an anonymous tip to education officials. Authorities are now calling on additional victims to come forward and are vowing to hold any perpetrators accountable.

These cases have sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe, sparking national outrage and renewed calls for stricter oversight in schools and better child protection measures.