Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Most teachers at Rumwanda Secondary School in Zaka, a scene of recent attacks by suspected robbers who also allegedly raped a female teacher, have abandoned their houses at the institution fearing for their safety. Three robbers allegedly raped a teacher and robbed her of valuables worth $250. The incident happened last month.

The robbers were armed with machetes, knives and catapults. They allegedly raped the female teacher after forcibly gaining entry into her house at night. The criminals also attacked and injured three male teachers at the school who tried to help the female teacher.

Sources at the school yesterday said the rape victim had since left the school on sick leave after the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education recommended that she undergoes counselling.

Rumwanda Secondary School head Mr Isaac Kamutsana told The Herald that majority of staff members were no longer staying at the school. He said they feared the robbers could pounce again. Police are yet to arrest the robbers.

“We have a staff complement of 12 teachers here, but 10 of us have since stopped staying at this school following the robbery and rape incident that took place a fortnight ago,” he said.

Mr Kamutsana said the fear-stricken staff members were now staying with well-wishers in surrounding villages in Chipinda communal lands. Others are commuting from Masvingo daily.

Masvingo Acting Provincial Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said police have since increased their visibility in all areas.

“Following the launch of Police Patrol Unit, police in Masvingo have improved visibility in all areas. Zaka is no exception as we are putting all crime suspects in that community under surveillance.

“We assure the teachers at Rumwanda of total security and urge them to report any suspicious people to police,” said Assistant Inspector Dehwa.

Masvingo provincial education director Mr Zadius Chitiga has recommended psychological counselling for the teachers subjected to the traumatic experience at the hands of the robbers.

Chief Nhema (Ranganai Bwawanda), under whose jurisdiction the school falls, has also offered to convene a meeting with village heads, school authorities and police to find ways of stemming crime which is now rife in Zaka.

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