Catholics probe St Ignatius abuses

The owners of St Ignatius College Chishawasha, a religiously affiliated educational institution, have launched an investigation into allegations of sodomy and sexual abuse allegedly committed by the late Father Brian Porter, a respected member of the clergy who served at the school for nearly two decades.

The college is owned by the Prestage Trust under the Southern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus – The Jesuits. Last month, NewsDay reported on disturbing allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct allegedly perpetrated by Father Porter, which have raised questions about the safety and well-being of students in Catholic-run institutions across Zimbabwe.

In a statement issued yesterday, Tafadzwa Chinamo, the chairperson of the St Ignatius College Board of Governors, expressed the institution's "sadness and deep concern" regarding the allegations of sexual impropriety involving Father Porter. He emphasized that the college took these allegations seriously, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

Porter, a former member of the Jesuit community, worked at St Ignatius College from the early 1970s until 1989, and passed away on July 8 this year at the age of 90.

"The allegations, as reported in NewsDay, constitute serious criminal offences and entail a fundamental breach of the duty of care and trust that underpins safeguarding obligations in schools," said Chinamo. "We have a responsibility to ensure that learners are not exposed to harm, and we are committed to upholding these standards."

The Jesuits have commissioned the Safeguarding Commission of the Jesuit Southern Africa Province to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations, despite the fact that Porter is no longer alive. Chinamo further encouraged any individuals who may have been victims of abuse to come forward and contact the Safeguarding Commission either directly or through the college.

"The college has robust safeguarding systems and practices that align with local laws and international best practices," Chinamo added. "We will continue to review and enhance our safeguarding policies to ensure they protect the dignity and well-being of all our students."

Recent investigations by NewsDay uncovered that some of Father Porter's alleged victims, who have formed a group called Justice, Healing, and Closure (JHC), are seeking compensation from the Catholic Church. The victims have come forward to demand redress from both St Ignatius College and the Jesuit community at Garnet House in Mt Pleasant, Harare.

According to the victims, Father Porter targeted Form One students during his time at the college, and the abuse allegedly spanned several years. A meeting held on July 20 by the victims outlined their plans to address the abuse they suffered and to seek justice.

Minutes of the meeting obtained by NewsDay confirmed that some victims (whose identities have been withheld) corroborated the sexual abuse claims. In an online support group formed under the tag "JHC," several individuals shared their experiences of Porter allegedly molesting students who assisted him with his religious attire.

This investigation is part of a broader reckoning within Catholic institutions worldwide as similar abuse allegations have surfaced in various countries, prompting renewed calls for accountability and transparency from religious organizations.

As St Ignatius College moves forward with its investigation, many are hopeful that justice will be served, and that the victims of Father Porter's alleged actions will find the closure they have been seeking for decades.