National
High school teacher jailed 20 years for raping pupil
by Staff reporter
A Bulawayo teacher has been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old learner.
Obed Rwatiringa, who resides in Barham Green suburb, was convicted of rape by Magistrate Lungile Ncube.
In delivering the sentence, Mr Ncube said there was overwhelming evidence linking Rwatiringa to the offence.
"The victim articulated sequentially how she was sexually violated. During cross-examination, she told the court that the offender pushed her onto a chair and sexually attacked her," the magistrate said.
Although Rwatiringa's lawyer, Tinashe Runganga, disputed the rape, the court was satisfied that the offence had occurred.
"Upon seeing the chair, which is of minimal size, the court was convinced that the complainant was pushed onto it before she was raped," Mr Ncube added.
The testimony of the school's guidance and counselling teacher corroborated the victim's account, strengthening the State's case.
Prosecutor Sehliselo Khumalo said in aggravation that a strong message needed to be sent to would-be offenders.
"The parents entrusted the teacher with their child and believed that he would guide and parent the child. However, the same teacher turned into a monster and sexually violated the child," he said.
Court documents revealed that Rwatiringa had previously sent the complainant to buy pies before proposing a romantic relationship. On February 21, shortly after 1 PM, he summoned her for extra lessons in the science laboratory, where he allegedly grabbed her hand, forced her onto a chair, and raped her despite her screams and attempts to resist.
The incident was reported to the police, leading to Rwatiringa's arrest. The victim was later referred to hospital for a medical examination.
