A Mpoengs police officer allegedly sexually molested 21
pupils while conducting an investigation into sexual abuse at a local primary
school. The cop, who was only identified as Constable Muzulu stationed at
Mpoengs Police station, is accused of inserting his fingers into 21 pupils’
private parts and fondling their breasts on Monday.
National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi confirmed receiving a report about the incident yesterday.
“I can confirm that a preliminary report was made against
the said member of the police force. We are investigating the matter so that we
get to the bottom of it and find the facts,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said Cst Muzulu had since been moved to a different
police station pending investigations.
“For professional reasons, we have temporarily transferred
the officer to a different police station pending finalisation of our
investigations. He will be working at the new station until we conclude our
investigations,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Bulu Primary School parents who spoke to Chronicle
expressed anger and distaste at the alleged acts by the police officer who had
been tasked to investigate sexual assault reports at the school.
“We cannot be having a protector doing this to children. He
cannot come and investigate sexual abuse and then do worse.
“Children cannot lie like that. We want him very far away
from our children and we want justice to be served,” said a parent who cannot
be named to protect the minor.
Cst Muzulu reportedly conducted one-on-one sessions with
female pupils interviewing them about cases of sexual assault at the school. He
is accused of having denied a female teacher permission to be part of the
meetings and said he only wanted to be with the pupils alone.
Mpoengs Police Station is said to have received anonymous
tip-offs from members of the public on alleged cases of sexual assault on
pupils at the school.
Cst Muzulu was asked to get to the bottom of the matter. Sources said Cst Muzulu allegedly started fondling the
girls in a classroom, where he held one-on-one meetings with each of them.
The matter came to light when pupils told to their parents
about their ordeals. A woman teacher responsible for guidance and counselling
was approached by some parents following the pupils’ narration of events that
occurred during interviews with the police officer.
The allegations are that Cst Muzulu fondled the breasts of
the pupils while he inserted his fingers into the private parts of some pupils.
Bulu Primary School headmistress reported the matter to
police, leading to the officer’s arrest.
Some pupils are said to have started bleeding, leading to
them being rushed to Brunapeg Hospital for medical examination.
Some are said to have complained of difficulty when walking
or sitting following the alleged ordeal.
Contacted for comment, Matabeleland South Provincial
Education Director Mr Lifias Masukume said he was not aware of the matter as he
had been away in Gweru on official business for two days. “I have no yet
received the matter as I have not been at the office for two days.
“I am on my way from Gweru right now. Probably there is
something in my office but I have not yet been there,” he said. Herald
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