School teacher turns rapist

A PROMINENT Rusape teacher - Benedict Chiro (46) - has sent tongues wagging following his arrest on allegations of sexually abusing a Grade Seven female pupil he had instructed to remain behind after extra lessons.

The incident, which happened at Chiro's place at House Number 1774 in Rusape's Castle Base suburb - has raised more questions than answers. The incident has become the talk of town.

It was not immediately clear if Chiro, who is said to be unwell, used protection in the alleged molestation of the 12-year-old defense-less victim.

Chiro, a senior Grade Five teacher at St Joseph's Primary School, Rusape, was arrested by police during a mass at a local conventional church on Sunday morning.

This brought proceedings to the halt as the victim, who was in the company of police positively identifying him resulting in the congregants jostling to catch a glimpse of him as investigation officers whisked him away.

The Government has banned extra lessons to guard against such alleged abuses, among other reasons.

"On September 13, 2014, the victim, who is 12 left home around 8am to attend extra lessons at the accused teacher's place at House Number 1774, Castle Base, Rusape. During the course of the lesson, Chiro gave the attendees an examination.

"The victim reportedly failed the test. At around 10am, Chiro (allegedly) dismissed the other pupils and instructed the victim to remain behind so that he would take her through some correction exercise," said Insp Chishiri.

Insp Chishiri said instead of taking the girl through correction, Chiro allegedly dragged her into his bedroom.  He allegedly raped her once and released her.

"He only released her after molesting her.

"At around 8pm, the victim revealed her ordeal at the hands of the accused teacher to her mother who the following morning escorted her to the police to make a report," said Inspector Chishiri.

A subdued Chiro was on Wednesday arraigned before Rusape regional magistrate, Mr Livingstone Chipadza on rape charges. His initial remand had intriguing twists and turns and endless adjournments that added the drama to arguably one of the most followed court cases after that of the controversial spirit medium, Tenzi Nehoreka.

Prosecutor Mr James Wirima fast-tracked the trial, and called the victim to testify. The victim confirmed having been abused.

She said she told a friend and her mother of the abuse.

She said she wrote a small letter - inscribed "I no longer go there because the teacher raped me," to her friend.

The friend confirmed receiving the letter, which she surrendered to the police.

Power cuts forced the court adjournment as such proceedings must be recorded.  Chiro was represented by Harare-based lawyer Mrs Sophia Tsara, of Tsara and Associates.

He pleaded not guilty.

He was remanded in custody to today for continuation of trial.

It was his defence that the victim could have been abused elsewhere and used him as a sacrificial lamb. Chiro argued that it was impossible for him to have raped the minor in the presence of a male relative who resides at the house.

Mrs Tsara was advised to apply for bail at the close of the state case. At least 200 people packed the public gallery.

Some were seated on the floor, while others were standing.

Police officers had a torrid time to control the people who stampeded around the entry point to have a glimpse of the court proceedings.

Two unnamed women were apparently arrested for causing havoc.