Liberty Vambe
A Principal Director and Goromonzi Ward 11 Councillor, Hamilton Manyika, has appeared in court facing allegations of sexual abuse on his male students.
Manyika, who is also a member of the Salvation Army church, is a director for Noble Grip Private Schools.
The 35-year-old ZANU PF Councillor is facing multiple counts of indecent assault.
He appeared before Murewa Regional Magistrate Mukunyadzi, facing four counts of indecent assault and aggravated indecent assault involving four male victims, including two juveniles.
He was denied bail and remanded in custody until September 30 due to the gravity of the offences.
The State, led by prosecutor Mr. Toma, outlined chilling allegations that included sexual grooming, coercion, and threats against his alleged victims, some as young as 16.
According to court papers, Manyika allegedly targeted students through WhatsApp messages and gifts, later luring them into his vehicle or private spaces where he committed the alleged sexual acts.
In one case, the father of a 17-year-old boy reportedly overheard the councillor demanding anal sex over the phone, leading to a police tip-off and arrest.
Parents and education stakeholders in Juru,Goromonzi District, expressed shock over the allegations, given Manyika’s dual role as both a political leader and an education provider. “Schools should be safe havens for our children, not hunting grounds for predators,” said one concerned parent who requested anonymity.
Manyika, represented by Mr. Hove of Hove and Associates, was denied bail because the charges fall under the Third Schedule offences, which include serious sexual crimes.
He was advised to apply for bail through the High Court.
