Government intensifies fight against sexual abuse in schools

Harare (New- Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government has strengthened guidance and counselling services in schools throughout the country as part of efforts to eradicate cases of sexual abuse, an official has said.

The move follows two reports of sexual abuse which occurred at Chindunduma High School in Mashonaland Central province early this year.

The two reports implicated a teacher, who allegedly resigned immediately after his conduct became known, and a student who was allegedly abusing other boys and has since been expelled from the school.

While the case involving the teacher is believed to have taken place earlier, the one involving the student reportedly happened in March this year.

When confirming the reports then, Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro described the situation at the school saying, “the wheels had come off”.

Ndoro said guidance and counselling had been strengthened and made visible in all schools so that matters of abuse could be addressed urgently and timeously.

“These recommendations apply to all schools in the country,” he said.

He said the Chindunduma High School student who was sexually abused has since received psycho-social support from an educational psychologist based at the provincial offices in Bindura.

A child a protection committee that includes students had also been set up at the school, he said.

Meanwhile, police in the province have since launched a man hunt for the teacher who resigned abruptly from the school.

Provincial police spokesperson Milton Mundembe said they were searching for the suspect so that he could face justice.

“We are still investigating the issue until we find the alleged person,” he said

New Ziana