The minister of state in the office of the president, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Davis_Marapira/">Davis Marapira</a>, was accused on Monday of pressuring a 19-year-old student who received a scholarship from him to have sex with him.
Marapira reportedly attempted to convince the young woman to come to his hotel but became upset when she repeatedly rejected his advances.
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-256672" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_256672" style="width: 680px"><img alt="" class="wp-image-256672 size-full" decoding="async" height="380" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Marapira-Davis.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Marapira-Davis.jpg 680w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Marapira-Davis-300x168.jpg 300w" width="680"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-256672">Davis Marapira</figcaption></figure>
On Monday, the Masvingo Mirror published the chats between Marapira and the girl whose name has been withheld but did not disclose how they were obtained. The chats revealed that Marapira provided funding for the student’s Advanced Level (A-Level) education and continued to support her when she attended the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, although the support has been inconsistent. 
On February 15th of this year, Marapira messaged the young woman expressing his frustration that she didn’t seem to care that he was in her city. He told her that she should have been there at 6 AM to say good morning. Marapira said in another message:
<blockquote>
I believe from the day I first saw you you have developed in everything.
You claim that which you cannot do.
</blockquote>
The student responded:
<blockquote>
What?
</blockquote>
Marapira responded:
<blockquote>
To love.
Hautondidi hako (You don’t love me)
</blockquote>
The student replied:
<blockquote>
Sir, I don’t understand the kind of love I have to show you other than the one I have for you Honourable. If you’re no longer taking care of me because of that, it’s okay Sir.
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/09/18/zacc-arrests-3-presidential-scholarship-officials/">ZACC Arrests 3 Presidential Scholarships Officials</a></li>
</ul>
Marapira attributed the decrease in financial support to “a lot of pressure with election preparations,” referring to the ZANU PF primary elections that took place at the end of March. He assured the young woman that his financial situation would return to normal after that.
The young woman didn’t believe Marapira’s explanation and believed that he was withholding financial support because she refused to meet him in his hotel room. She responded:
<blockquote>
Sir, it’s not only about elections but love as well.
</blockquote>
There have been reports of government officials in Zimbabwe sponsoring students with scholarships or financial support in exchange for sexual favours.
The issue of sexual exploitation in exchange for scholarships or other forms of support is a serious problem in Zimbabwe and has been the subject of much public debate and criticism.
There are organizations in Zimbabwe that work to protect students from sexual exploitation. The Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) and the Musasa Project are two such organizations that provide legal and counselling services to victims of sexual harassment and abuse, including students who have been exploited by powerful individuals. These organizations play a vital role in advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups and raising awareness about sexual exploitation.
However, some powerful individuals, including government officials, might use their influence to intimidate or silence those who speak out against sexual exploitation. This can make it hard for organizations to prevent and respond to cases of sexual exploitation and to ensure that victims get the support and justice they need.
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Pindula News

Minister Accused Of Pressuring Scholarship Recipient For Sex

President Emerson Mnangagwa has transferred Mr <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Davis_Marapira">Davis Marapira</a>, the Minister of State in the Office of the President and Cabinet in charge of Monitoring the Implementation of Special Agricultural and Related Programmes, to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. Pindula News presents a statement issued by Misheck Sibanda which announces the development:
<blockquote>
<h2>MINISTERIAL TRANSFER</h2>
 His Excellency, the President has in terms of Section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe of 2013 transferred the Minister of State in the Office of the President and Cabinet in charge of Monitoring the Implementation of Special Agricultural and Related Programmes, Honourable Davis Marapira, to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to be responsible for Agricultural Colleges, Water Resources and Irrigation Development, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
He will report to Honourable Minister, Dr. Anxious J. Masuka.
The appointment is with immediate effect.
</blockquote>
Marapira is the Member of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Parliament_of_Zimbabwe" title="Parliament of Zimbabwe">Parliament</a> for <a class="new" href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Masvingo_North_Constituency&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="Masvingo North Constituency (page does not exist)">Masvingo North Constituency</a>.
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President Mnangagwa Transfers Minister Davis Marapira

In an interview with The Herald last week, Lands, Agriculture and Resettlement Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said Government now has a policy that makes it mandatory for farmers to fence off their properties to curb the spread of livestock diseases such as foot and mouth.
He said Government has the responsibility to fence major highways and game reserves to avoid the interaction of wild and domesticated animals. Said Marapira:
<blockquote>We have realised that cases of foot and mouth disease that have been reported in some parts of the country are a result of the continued interaction between domesticated animals and wild animals. We now have a new policy which makes it mandatory for A1 and A2 farmers to protect their properties. This will help curb the spread of this (foot and mouth) and many other contagious animal diseases.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/fencing-off-farms-now-mandatory-minister/">Herald</a>

"Fencing Off Farms Now Mandatory": Minister

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development responsible for Cropping, Davis Marapira, yesterday said they were looking for funds to procure dryers which will be installed at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB)’s depots following reports farmers are being turned away for having grain with moisture content above the accepted 12,5 percent threshold.
Said Marapira:
<blockquote>We are looking for funds so that we can install maize dryers at all GMB depots and sub-depots around the country. I do not have the total amount of money required for the exercise by we hope to have the dryers as short to medium term solution to the problem of maize delivered by farmers at depots with high moisture content. At the moment we also cannot reveal the exact number of GMB depots and sub-depots that will have these maize dryers because new depots and sub-depots keep on being opened everyday but we want all the depots to have these dryers.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/govt-to-install-maize-dryers-at-gmb-depots/">Chronicle</a>

Govt to install maize dryers at GMB depots countrywide

Mrs Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira has decided to divorce her husband Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development (Cropping Production) Davis Marapira over allegations of infidelity and abusive tendencies.
The minister withdrew opposing papers saying:
<blockquote>I have no intention whatsoever to defend the action of divorce and ancillary relief sought. In the premises, I consent to the plaintiff’s action being immediately set down for hearing on an uncontested basis. I hereby waive the necessity to be served personally with a notice of set down</blockquote>
Mrs Marapira wants a decree of divorce plus custody of the three children. She is also claiming monthly maintenance of $500 per child. Mrs Marapira wants the minister to pay school fees for the children and accommodation.
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/minister-dumped-over-infidelity/">Herald</a>

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