by Chantelle Muzanenhamo
In a shocking development that has left the Murehwa community in disbelief, Hamilton Manyika, 35, the director of Noble Grip Private Schools, stands accused of multiple counts of indecent assault and aggravated indecent assault involving four male victims, including two juveniles.
The allegations, which detail a pattern of molestation, have sent waves of shock through a community that had placed its trust in him to safeguard their children.
Manyika appeared before Murewa Regional Magistrate Mrs. Mukunyadzi, who denied him bail, remanding him in custody until September 30 due to the grave nature of the charges. The state, represented by Mr. Toma, laid out harrowing details of his alleged misconduct, revealing a disturbing side to a man once seen as a pillar of the educational community.
According to reports, Manyika’s tactics included sending suggestive WhatsApp messages to a 17-year-old male student, referring to him as “my love” and encouraging him to “fall in love.” He is alleged to have lured the juvenile into his vehicle with promises of food and then subjected him to unwanted sexual advances, including unzipping the boy’s trousers under the pretense of “checking his virginity.” The shocking details emerged when the victim’s father overheard a phone call in which Manyika invited the boy for illicit encounters, leading to his arrest.
The allegations do not stop there; another victim, a 20-year-old male whom Manyika appointed as a personal assistant, reported that the accused demanded oral sex after asking the young man to fast in preparation for a supposed “covenant of prayers.” This alarming incident was pivotal in unraveling Manyika’s alleged predatory behavior.
Additionally, a 16-year-old male, expelled from Noble Grip for misconduct, claimed that Manyika had previously assaulted him, engaging in deeply inappropriate acts, including kissing and fondling. After being expelled, the young boy was reportedly followed home by Manyika, who convinced him to enter his vehicle, where he again initiated unwanted sexual contact while threatening dire consequences if the boy spoke out.
In yet another case, an 18-year-old student alleged that he was drawn into Manyika’s web through the promise of receiving a new suit, only to face similar advances.
The decision to deny bail was based on the serious nature of these allegations, categorized as a Third Schedule offense, prompting Manyika to seek bail through the High Court as the community grapples with the betrayal of someone they once trusted.
Parents and residents of Murehwa are expressing outrage and heartbreak, struggling to comprehend how an educational leader could betray their trust in such a horrific manner. As the investigation continues, many are calling for justice and support for the victims at the center of this unsettling case.