Give in or no fees: Minister pesters student for tlof tlof
The Minister of State responsible for Agricultural Colleges, Water Resources, Irrigation Development, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Davis Marapira, has been accused of harassing a first-year Biotechnology student at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), bringing her to the brink of a mental breakdown.
Advantages of Being Disadvantaged?
The Masvingo Mirror reports that sMarapira allegedly began pestering the 19-year-old student, who he had been assisting with fees since she was in Form 5 at Zimuto High School in Masvingo, in 2021 when she was in Form 6. According to the student, Marapira would persistently send love messages and invites to hotels, and would get angry if she refused his advances.
“He threatens to stop paying my fees at registration time or just before I sit for exams, and this is the time where he knows I am most vulnerable,” the student said.
The student also accused Marapira of sending an article about a man who sponsored his lover through university education and later killed her for dumping him.
“He says he has all along been waiting for me to turn 18 and become an adult,” she added.
Mother Approaches Zanu PF Women’s League
The student’s mother also confirmed the allegations to The Mirror, stating that she had approached a woman from the Zanu PF Women’s League to ask the Minister to stop his advances. However, Marapira allegedly told the woman that colleges and universities are fertile hunting grounds for girls.
“I then called the Minister and he said his priorities currently were the elections and looking for school fees for my daughter. He changes the subject each time I call him. Now he ignores my calls,” said the mother.
Arts Mentor Shocked by Allegations
The student’s arts mentor, who is also a teacher, expressed shock at Marapira’s alleged predatory tendencies towards the student.
“The Minister knew the girl as a little primary school girl. I am shocked that this was his intention. I think there is certainly something wrong in Marapira’s head,” said the mentor.
Minister Marapira Refuses to Comment
When The Mirror attempted to contact Marapira for comment, he hung up the phone once he got the gist of the issue. He later sent a text message saying that he was in a meeting.
