The Zimbabwe Network of People Living with HIV and Aids (ZNPP+) has been rocked by allegations of sexual abuse amid reports that bosses were conducting “carpet” interviews.
by XOLISANI NCUBE
A top official at the organisation is at the centre of the allegations after he was accused of making improper advances to an intern who had to abruptly terminate her contract.
ZNPP+ chairperson Sebastian Chinhaire has since written to the official over his alleged attempts to seek sexual favours from a Midlands State University student.
“During the course of the interview, the student, among other issues, raised allegations of improper advances of a sexual nature from yourself. These advances included phone messages, calls and verbal comments with sexual connotations concerning her dressing as well as her body,” Chinhaire’s letter read.
“In the interview, the student also expressed fears that one of the other interns was also receiving the same kind of sexual advances from you”.
Contacted for comment by NewsDay Weekender yesterday, Chinhaire confirmed the allegations, saying the issue was being handled by the human resource committee.
“I will only comment on the matter when they present a report to me,” he said.
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But in Chinhaire’s letter leaked to NewsDay, the organisation, which depends on donor funding, was concerned with the allegations as they had the potential of disturbing its fundraising initiatives.
“These are obviously serious allegations that require the organisation to transparently and appropriately handle in order to continuously build the confidence of our partners and stakeholders that we have recently embarked on so successfully,” the letter read.
“I am, therefore, requesting you to provide me with your written response to the allegations as soon as possible so that the board can make an informed decision regarding the next steps. This matter has already taken a long time to conclude, so I would appreciate it if you could treat this as a matter of urgency. I am attaching the minutes of the exit interview for ease of reference.”
ZNPP+ director Dagobert Mureriwa said he needed board clearance to comment on the matter.
