Tafara Zhou Zimbabwe’s Allan Wilson Boys High School principal faces serious indecent assault charges after accusing him of abuse of a student within two years.
Zhou appeared in court on the weekend but was not asked to plead.
The 19-year-old victim first met in 2022 while seeking financial aid for education, according to court testimony. The principal allegedly offered to pay the boy’s tuition before making a sexual request. “In June 2022, Zhou asked me to go to his car and has asked for a sexual relationship since he paid for everything,” the victim said. “He threatened to expel me if I refuse.”
The abuse reportedly continued in January 2023, when Zhou allegedly took the boy to the school laundry room. In the second month, the principal was accused of assaulting a student at his home again. The worst allegations stem from a 2023 school trip to Victoria Falls, where Zhou allegedly drove the victims separately while other students traveled by bus. “He booked a room and abused me for three days,” the victim testified. “This happened again on our way back to Harare.”
Zhou allegedly confiscated the boy’s phone and deleted evidence of guilt, warning him that no one would believe his claim because of the principal’s contact. This abuse was exposed only after Zhou expelled students to seek help from teachers to register for the exam. With the support of the teacher, the victim reported the case earlier this year, resulting in Zhou’s arrest.
The case comes after another disturbing scandal at Masase High School in Mberengwa, Deputy Chief Gumbo was charged with abusing 35 boys in S3X. After that, Gumbo hid. Police spokesman Paul Nyathi confirmed the investigation and noted: “We are identifying the victims. So far, a complaint has been recorded.”
School principal Albion Masukume notified parents in a letter, writing: “I am sad to tell you that one of our staff members has reported on allegations of child abuse. The investigation is underway.” The scandal was exposed on an anonymous tip to education officials. Authorities are urging other potential victims to step up.
