Mutare School Principal Flees After Alleged Sexual Abuse of 14 Learners

Authorities are investigating an unregistered private school in Mutare following allegations of sexual abuse involving learners.

By Southerton Business Times | MUTARE

Police have launched a manhunt for a private school principal in Mutare who is accused of sexually abusing 14 female learners at an unregistered secondary school operating in the city's low-density suburb of Murambi. The suspect, Amos Nyashanu, is the principal and owner of New Wonderland Academy, which investigators say had been operating without registration from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

The allegations have intensified concerns over learner safety in Manicaland Province, following separate cases of alleged sexual abuse involving school authorities at St David's Bonda Girls' High School in Mutasa District and Claremont High School in Nyanga District. In those cases, the alleged suspects are also reportedly evading arrest.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dispatched an investigation team to examine the allegations and assess the school's legal status and operating conditions. According to an inspection report compiled by ministry officials and law enforcement officers, education authorities were unaware that the school existed until police sought information during investigations into the alleged abuse.

"Following a visit by Assistant Inspector Mabvungautsi seeking information on New Wonderland Academy, whose principal was said to have sexually abused learners at the school, the district, which was previously unaware of the school's existence, visited the institution together with CID officers and members of the Victim Friendly Unit," part of the report states.

The inspection established that New Wonderland Academy had an enrolment of 70 learners, comprising 37 girls and 33 boys. Officials found that the institution employed four permanent teachers, only two of whom were professionally qualified, as well as three part-time female teachers. Investigators also confirmed that the school was not registered with the Ministry and had been illegally offering the Heritage-Based Curriculum from Form One to Form Six. The inspection further revealed concerns over the school's infrastructure, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation facilities and substandard learning conditions.

Following the inspection, officials recommended a full investigation into the school's administration, learner welfare, governance and compliance with education regulations. Police investigations into the sexual abuse allegations are continuing, while authorities are working to locate Nyashanu. The Ministry has not yet indicated what measures will be taken regarding the future of the school or the welfare of affected learners.

Southerton Business Times has withheld additional details that could identify or further traumatise the alleged child victims. The allegations remain before investigators, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Mutare school principal sexual abuse