ELCZ cries foul over alleged Masase High School sodomy
Zimbabwe Observer Reporter
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe’s Central Diocese has denounced as “satanic” and “horrendous” the alleged sodomy by Deputy Headmaster Anymore Gumbo of Masase High School in Mberengwa.
Gumbo is suspected of sodomising 35 schoolboys, mainly form ones and twos, a revelation which left Masase Community shocked to the core.
In a statement, Rev. Sibanda, a church administrator based in Zvishavane, condemned the alleged sexual abuse which he said was a flagrant violation of ELCZ values.
Rev. Sibanda urged Zimbabweans to pray for the Masase High School community and parents affected by the allegations.
“We want to assure you that we take these allegations very seriously and we are saddened and deeply disturbed by the thought that such acts may have occurred within our school community,” lamented Rev Sibanda. “As a Christian Church, we condemn such acts as satanic and horrendous and they are against our values as a church and Christian institution.”
While acknowledging the severity of the situation, Rev. Sibanda cautioned against sensationalism, appealing to all parties to handle the matter with sensitivity to protect the dignity and well-being of those involved.
“We must prioritise the dignity and wellbeing of all individuals involved to avoid causing unnecessary harm or distress,” said Rev Sibanda in a carefully worded media statement to the Zimbabwe Observer.
The church’s response comes amid ongoing investigations into the allegations against Gumbo, who is currently on the run.
The abuse came to light when one of the victims was hospitalised due to difficulties with excretion. A subsequent examination revealed damage to the boy’s anus. The boy is undergoing surgery. The victim confessed to the abuse and released a long list of other victims.
Gumbo and his wife vanished from the school premises as soon as the abuse spilled out into the public domain. Police pitched up late to interrogate him.
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