Biology Teacher Sentenced To 20 Years In Jail For Raping 17-Year-Old Student

A schoolteacher in Bulawayo has been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old learner.

Obed Rwatiringa, a biology teacher at Founders High School who lives in the Barham Green suburb, was convicted of rape by Bulawayo regional magistrate Lungile Ncube.

In handing down the sentence, the magistrate said there was overwhelming evidence linking Rwatiringa to the crime. The magistrate said:

“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.

“Upon seeing the chair, which is of a minimal size, the court was convinced that the complainant was pushed onto it before she was raped.”

Magistrate Ncube said the testimony of the school’s guidance and counselling teacher supported the victim’s account, making it more credible, and that the State had proved its case beyond any shadow of a doubt.

In aggravation, prosecutor Sehliselo Khumalo said there was a need to send a strong message to potential offenders. Said Khumalo:

“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 betrayed the trust bestowed on him, and his unbecoming behaviour may cause other parents and learners to lose trust in male teachers.”

Khumalo said that earlier last month, Rwatiringa asked the girl to buy him pies before trying to start a romantic relationship with her.

The girl reported the incident to the school’s guidance and counselling teacher.

On 21 February, shortly after 1 PM, Rwatiringa called the girl in for extra lessons in the science laboratory. Said Khumalo:

“After the lesson, he grabbed the complainant’s left hand and forced her onto a chair.”

The court heard that the girl screamed and tried to resist, but Rwatiringa overpowered her and raped her.

The incident was reported to the police, resulting in Rwatiringa’s arrest. 

The complainant was later taken to the hospital for a medical examination.