The EDZAI ISU board has responded to indecent assault allegations that their director award winning Tafadzwa Muzondo is facing.
The matter is sub judice.
Hereunder is the response authored by board chairperson Patience Tawengwa:
Edzai Isu notes with concern allegations of indecent assault against its director Mr. Tafadzwa Muzondo.
The matter is before the courts and as we eagerly await for the outcome, we have suspended him pending the outcome of the case.
In his defense Mr. Muzondo says this is a calculated attempt to smear his name.
As an organization, we do not condone violence in whatever form so we are taking this case seriously and expect him to clear his name in court before he can continue his duties. We will also constitute our own internal hearing as soon as the court case is finalized.
The board also commits to facilitating the formulation of an arts industry sexual harassment policy under the guidance of the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC). Over the years, the Trust has always intentionally sought to create a safe space for female artists.
We also affirm our observance of the principle that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In that regard we will not second guess the court and will wait on the outcome of the case before issuing out further statements.
During Mr Muzondo’s absence, Programmes officer Mr Obrien Makore will be the acting director.
