The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has taken note of the concerns and public reports surrounding allegations of sexual abuse involving a teacher and learners at St Davids Bonda School in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province.
The Commission wishes to assure the public that it is fully seized with this matter and that investigations are currently in progress in line with its constitutional mandate to promote and protect gender equality and safeguard the rights and dignity of all learners.
The Commission first became aware of allegations involving the accused individual in June 2024 through a referral from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and subsequently monitored the related court proceedings to their conclusion. Following the emergence of new allegations in June 2026, the Commission immediately initiated further inquiries and engaged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), and the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland to establish the circumstances surrounding the matter.
The Commission further confirms that it is currently assessing the following alleged cases:
- Sexual offence involving a teacher and a minor at St. David’s Bonda Girls High School, Nyanga District.
- Sexual offence involving a Deputy Headmaster and a minor at Montclair High School, Nyanga District.
- Sexual offences involving a School Head and 3 minors at New Wonderland Academy, Mutare District.
- Sexual offence involving a School Head and a minor at Hillside College, Dangamvura, Mutare District.
The Commission confirms that engagements with the school authorities and various stakeholders are ongoing. 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 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 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.
Furthermore, the Commission calls upon members of the public who may have relevant information to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
The Commission stands in solidarity with the affected learners and their families and will continue to provide updates as appropriate while safeguarding the integrity of the investigations.
For Gender Equality
For media inquiries and further information, please contact Chief Executive Officer Virginia Muwanigwa 0712899543/ 0772327955