Published: 22 May 2025

In a dramatic twist to an ongoing sexual abuse case, Allan Wilson High School headmaster Tafara Zhou has filed a counter-complaint of extortion against the former student who accused him of aggravated indecent assault.

The case, which is already pending before the Harare Magistrate's Court, took a new turn after Zhou alleged that the student, Tanaka Elvis Sikwavaile (19), and his alleged accomplice, Charles Masiyandaita  a former teacher at the school-demanded US$15,000 to withdraw the charges against him.

Sikwavaile and Masiyandaita appeared before Magistrate Apollonia Marutya yesterday facing charges of extortion.
Alleged Plot to Withdraw Charges

According to State prosecutor submissions, Zhou was arrested on April 12 this year on charges of aggravated indecent assault. He was released on free bail and reportedly changed his phone number shortly afterward.

On April 25, Emmanuel Venge, vice-chairperson of the Allan Wilson High School Development Committee (SDC), allegedly received a call from Masiyandaita, who claimed to be acting as Sikwavaile's guardian. Masiyandaita told Venge that he could not contact Zhou directly and instead requested that Venge convey a demand for US$15,000 to facilitate the withdrawal of the assault case.

Masiyandaita allegedly warned Venge that failure to pay would result in the case proceeding to trial, which he claimed would end in Zhou's conviction and imprisonment.

Venge reportedly informed Zhou of the demands, but Zhou said he did not have the money and refused to be part of any illegal dealings. He then reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Sting Operation and Arrest

ZACC operatives then set up a sting operation, instructing Venge to continue engaging with Masiyandaita. During a recorded phone call, Masiyandaita allegedly reaffirmed the demand for the US$15,000, saying the money would secure the withdrawal of the sexual abuse charges.

A meeting was arranged at Montague Shopping Centre, where Masiyandaita and Sikwavaile were arrested after receiving a US$200 token payment as part of the deal.
Court Proceedings

The duo appeared in court yesterday and were formally charged with extortion. The court is expected to set a date for the trial while both cases-Zhou's original sexual abuse charge and the extortion counter-charge-unfold in parallel.

The matter has sent shockwaves through the education sector, with observers calling for due process and thorough investigations into both cases to ensure justice is served.

Zhou remains on bail pending trial in the sexual abuse matter, while Sikwavaile and Masiyandaita now face a new legal battle of their own.
- the chronicle