Teacher convicted of rape granted bail pending appeal

A teacher from Founders High School who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old pupil has been granted bail pending appeal by the High Court.

Obed Rwatiringa, a Biology teacher from Barham Green suburb in Bulawayo, was convicted by Regional Magistrate Lungile Ncube after pleading not guilty to the charge.

He later approached the High Court, where Justice Munamato Mutevedzi granted him bail pending the outcome of his appeal, citing what he described as "a glimpse of hope" in the case.

Rwatiringa was represented by his lawyer, Tinashe Runganga, who argued that the conviction was unsafe due to inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony.

According to the defence, the complainant allegedly gave conflicting accounts regarding her prior sexual history and the circumstances of the incident. The lawyer also questioned aspects of her testimony relating to how the assault occurred, arguing that certain elements were improbable.

He further submitted that the complainant had initially indicated reluctance to report the matter to the police and suggested that communication between the two pointed to a consensual relationship - an argument central to the appeal.

The State, represented by Kudakwashe Jaravaza, opposed the application, maintaining that the evidence presented during trial supported the conviction.

Prosecutors told the court that on February 21, 2026, Rwatiringa allegedly summoned the pupil for extra lessons in a science laboratory. After the lesson, he reportedly overpowered her despite resistance and sexually assaulted her.

The court heard that the complainant later reported the matter to a guidance and counselling teacher and underwent a medical examination, with findings presented as part of the State's case.

Justice Mutevedzi said the appeal would proceed in due course, with the hearing date to be communicated.