Teacher arrested for showing infants pornographic material

A teacher at an infants' school in Chinhoyi has been arrested for allegedly exposing young learners to pornographic material and sexually abusing them.

The suspect, Victor Zivira, who is employed at Vimbaishe Infant School, was taken into custody by Chemagamba police following allegations that he showed inappropriate content to children and engaged in misconduct with pupils.

Police say Zivira is expected to appear in court today.

The allegations came to light during counselling sessions at the school, according to founder Vimbainashe Matsika.

"As we conducted one of these sessions, learners started sharing how the monster of a teacher molested them," Matsika said.

She said the matter was immediately reported to both the police and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

"As a parent and a director, I reported the issue to the police and the Ministry of Education. We cannot have child abusers taking the innocence of our children – no and never," she said.

Matsika expressed concern over what she described as a rise in child abuse cases, urging parents and guardians to play a more active role in their children's lives.

"Our children are at risk anytime and anywhere and, as school stakeholders and guardians, we must be on guard to watch over our learners and protect them," she said.

She encouraged parents to create time to engage with their children and educate them on personal safety and boundaries.

"At school, let's talk to them. Let's talk about body awareness, health, personal hygiene, self-respect, confidence, respecting others and body boundaries," Matsika said, adding that consistent guidance and counselling is necessary.