Milton High School Teacher Accused Of Sodomy Acquitted On All Charges

A male teacher at Milton High School in Bulawayo who was accused of sodomising learners has been acquitted of all charges.

The teacher, Tyson Lunga (36), appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Beverly Madzikatire, who ruled that the allegations lacked merit as they were neither made in a timely nor voluntary manner.

The court also noted that although the complainants alleged Lunga had sent them sexually explicit messages, no such evidence was presented during the trial.

Lunga was represented by Constance Mathaba of Makiya and Partners. In her defence, Mathaba argued that the allegations were baseless, pointing out that most of them were said to have occurred at unspecified locations and dates.

She further contended that the case was the result of a conspiracy orchestrated by two teachers (names withheld) after Lunga’s transfer from another school in September last year.

According to Mathaba, Lunga had already lodged a formal complaint with the school head over the rumours, but no action was taken.

She maintained that all six counts brought against him stemmed from the alleged conspiracy.

Lunga was facing six charges, including performing indecent acts with young people, sexual harassment, and attempted sexual exploitation of students.

The National Prosecuting Authority, represented by Nkanyezi Xaba, alleged that Lunga targeted four male students, aged between 15 and 17, with various sexual advances and propositions.

In one instance, Lunga was accused of sending messages to a 17-year-old student, calling him “handsome” and explicitly expressing a desire to engage in “gay sex.”

Further allegations detailed Lunga’s alleged attempts to solicit sexual favours for money. He is said to have offered a 15-year-old student $10 to “sleep with him,” inviting the student to his residence at the school and sending messages complimenting his appearance.

Another 15-year-old student was reportedly offered food and money in exchange for intimacy, with Lunga allegedly inviting him to his room and even offering to pay for his gym membership.

The prosecution also claimed that Lunga discussed homosexuality with one complainant and offered $50 for intimacy, an offer which the student declined.

The incident that ultimately led to Lunga’s arrest involved an 18-year-old student. Lunga allegedly told this student that he had a “list of students” with whom he desired sexual relations, asking the student to choose between male and female roles.

The alleged conversation was subsequently reported to the boarding master, leading to Lunga’s arrest.

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