The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for a deputy headmaster accused of s0d0mizing more than 35 pupils at Masase High School in Mberengwa.
The suspect, Anywhere Gumbo, allegedly fled the school last Friday (April 4) after police arrived to investigate the shocking allegations.
Gumbo, who worked at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe (ELCZ)-run school, remains at large. Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Midlands provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are ongoing but no arrests have been made.
Sources reveal that Gumbo allegedly lured pupils to his office under false pretenses before sexually assaulting them. The case came to light after an anonymous tip-off prompted a joint investigation by police and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
“The police and education officials acted after receiving an anonymous letter from a teacher,” a source close to the investigation disclosed.
Disturbingly, reports suggest the abuse had been ongoing for years but went unreported due to the school’s restrictive policies. Parents claim the headmaster, Mr. Albion Masukume, enforced a rule requiring pupils to report issues directly to him—a policy that allegedly allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.
“The headmaster’s strict reporting system forced victims into silence. Many pupils suffered in fear,” said a parent whose child was among the victims.
Some parents and teachers have accused Masukume of attempting to suppress the allegations. However, in a letter to parents, Masukume acknowledged the reports while denying any involvement in a cover-up.
“I write with deep sorrow to inform you that serious allegations against a staff member have been reported. Authorities are conducting thorough investigations,” he stated.
The case has sparked outrage, with calls for swift justice and better protections for students. Child rights activists are urging schools to implement safer reporting mechanisms to prevent such abuses in the future.
Police are appealing to the public for information leading to Gumbo’s arrest. Meanwhile, counseling services have been offered to the affected pupils.