HARARE – A Peterhouse Girls’ School student was allegedly raped after her drink was spiked at a birthday party in Greendale, Harare, on May 25.
The incident has prompted a police investigation and raised concerns about the safety of teenagers at social events.
The party, held at Sitari Estate to celebrate a fellow student’s birthday, had the consent of parents from both Peterhouse Girls and Boys schools. Sylvia Gombedza, a French teacher at Peterhouse Boys, had extended the invitations, assuring parents of supervision and safety.
Speaking on her behalf, Gombedza’s husband referred inquiries to the Rhodesville Police Station, which is leading the investigation.
Police have refrained from commenting on the specifics due to the involvement of minors.
While an official statement from police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi is pending, sources confirm that several Peterhouse students are being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Claire Hough, the headmistress of Peterhouse Girls, expressed deep concern over the incident. “This incident is cause for a great deal of concern,” Hough told Kukurigo.
“All the girls at our school are valued, and we are very saddened when we hear of such things happening.”
The prestigious institution with a term fee of US$6,000, said it provides all girls with access to professional counseling and pastoral care while upholding the highest moral standards.
Hough emphasized the school’s cooperation with the police investigation, stating, “We have made it clear that we are available to the police in furthering their investigations and have reached out to parents if we can assist in any way.”
The school awaits the investigation’s outcome, with Hough adding, “I trust that the investigation will be thorough and professional and hope and pray that the girls will be treated carefully and compassionately.”
This incident underscores the vulnerability of students in seemingly secure environments and highlights the importance of stringent safety measures at youth gatherings.
Drink spiking, often involving substances like Rohypnol or GHB, is a serious crime that can lead to severe consequences. These substances are easily accessible and can incapacitate victims, making them vulnerable to assault.
A notable case involved Dr. Michael Swango, who drugged and murdered several patients in the 1980s and 1990s, exemplifying the egregious misuse of medical knowledge and the violation of the sacred trust between a doctor and their patients. He is believed to have killed as many as sixty people.
