Principal on the run over sexual abuse allegations

A Mutare private school principal is on the run after allegedly sexually abusing 14 female learners at an unregistered secondary school operating in the city's low-density suburb of Murambi.

The suspect, Amos Nyashanu, who served as both principal and proprietor of New Wonderland Academy, has reportedly gone into hiding and has been placed on the police wanted list as investigations intensify.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the education sector and come amid growing concern over cases involving alleged sexual abuse by school authorities in Manicaland Province.

The case follows similar reports at St David's Bonda Girls' High School in Mutasa District and Claremont High School in Nyanga District, where the alleged suspects are also reportedly evading arrest.

The matter has been reported to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which dispatched an investigation team to verify the allegations and assess the school's operations.

Although the ministry's Chief Director for Provincial Education Services in Manicaland, Richard Gabaza, could not be reached for comment, a ministry inspection report compiled following a joint visit by education officials and police officers has revealed that the institution had been operating without registration.

According to the report, officials only became aware of the school's existence after police sought information during their investigation into the allegations.

"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," reads part of the report.

The inspection established that the school had an enrolment of 70 learners, comprising 37 girls and 33 boys.

Investigators also found that the institution employed four permanent teachers, only two of whom were professionally qualified. Three additional part-time female teachers were also engaged.

The report identified numerous operational deficiencies.

"The school was not registered and was operating illegally. It was offering the Heritage-Based Curriculum from Form One to Form Six. Its first Ordinary Level candidates sat for examinations in 2025," the report states.

Inspectors found that the school's infrastructure fell well below acceptable standards, citing overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation facilities and poor learning conditions.

"The school had no sporting facilities. Its infrastructure was not conducive to effective teaching and learning. Classrooms were too small for the number of learners enrolled, while toilet facilities were inadequate and not gender-friendly," the report notes.

The investigation also raised concerns about learner protection and governance.

"The school had no written code of conduct for either staff or learners. Furthermore, the environment contained several hazards, including a disused swimming pool and open trenches around the premises, all of which posed safety risks to learners."

At the time of the inspection, Nyashanu was not at the school.

"The principal, who is also the owner of the school, was not available, and was suspected to be on the run while being investigated by police for alleged sexual abuse," the report states.

Investigators recommended a broader inquiry into the institution's operations, including learner welfare, governance and academic standards.

"It was recommended that an urgent and more extensive investigation be conducted focusing on learner welfare issues, administrative systems, and teaching and learning practices," the report further states.

Education experts have urged parents to verify that schools are registered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education before enrolling their children, warning that unregistered institutions may operate outside regulatory safeguards designed to protect learners.

They also advised parents to assess the qualifications of teaching staff, inspect school facilities and ensure institutions have effective child-protection policies and reporting mechanisms.

Police investigations into the allegations against Nyashanu are continuing, and authorities have appealed to members of the public with information on his whereabouts to come forward.

The allegations against Nyashanu have not been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.