The headmaster of Allan Wilson Boys’ High School in Zimbabwe, Tafara Zhou, is facing aggravated indecent assault charges following allegations that he s3xually abused a student over a two-year period.
Zhou appeared in court over the weekend but was not asked to plead.
According to court testimony, the 19-year-old victim first met Zhou in 2022 while seeking financial assistance for his education. The headmaster allegedly offered to cover the boy’s school fees before making sexual demands. “In June 2022, Zhou called me to his car and demanded a sexual relationship since he was paying for everything,” the victim said. “He threatened to expel me if I refused.”
The abuse reportedly continued in January 2023 when Zhou allegedly took the boy to the school laundry room. The following month, the headmaster is accused of assaulting the student again at his home. The most serious allegations stem from a school trip to Victoria Falls in 2023, where Zhou allegedly drove the victim separately while other students traveled by bus. “He booked a room and abused me for three days,” the victim testified. “It happened again on our way back to Harare.”
Zhou then allegedly confiscated the boy’s phone and deleted incriminating evidence, warning him that no one would believe his claims due to the headmaster’s connections. The abuse only came to light after Zhou expelled the student for seeking help from teachers to register for exams. With the support of a teacher, the victim reported the case earlier this year, leading to Zhou’s arrest.
This case follows another disturbing scandal at Masase High School in Mberengwa, where deputy head Anymore Gumbo is accused of s3xually abusing up to 35 boys. Gumbo has since gone into hiding. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the investigation, stating, “We are identifying victims. So far, one complaint has been recorded.”
School headmaster Albion Masukume informed parents in a letter, writing, “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 exposed after an anonymous tip to education officials. Authorities are urging other potential victims to come forward.