Criminal Defense Investigation - Aggravated Assault
HARARE — General Mear Investigations and Security Firm has launched a pro bono post-conviction investigation into the case of Innocent Kashiri, the former Allan Wilson Boys High School sports director sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated indecent assault involving a 17-year-old student.
Kashiri, 45, was convicted over allegations dating to 2023. According to the court proceedings, the prosecution alleged that he produced a letter purportedly written by the school head, which he claimed authorised sexual intercourse with the student.
The complainant, now 20, told the court that he complied after allegedly being intimidated. The matter reportedly came to light after he confided in Science teacher Susan Sibanda, who assisted him in reporting the allegations.
Kashiri was subsequently arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment.
General Mear's newly opened investigation will examine the evidential and procedural history of the case, including the chronology of events, witness accounts, documentary evidence and the handling of material presented during the proceedings.
Particular scrutiny will be given to the alleged letter, including its origin, authorship, authenticity and the circumstances in which it was produced and relied upon.
Investigators will also look for any material inconsistencies, evidential gaps or information that may warrant further examination. Lead investigator Patrick Maenza said the review would be conducted without a predetermined conclusion.
«“We are not starting with the assumption that the conviction was right or wrong. Our task is to examine the evidence, verify what can be verified and identify whether there are material questions that require further consideration.”
Maenza stressed that the investigation does not amount to a finding that Kashiri was wrongfully convicted, nor does it constitute an allegation of misconduct against the complainant, witnesses, investigators, prosecutors or other parties involved in the case.
Any challenge to the conviction would remain a matter for the appropriate legal and judicial processes. “Our role is not to replace the court. It is to investigate and document what the evidence shows, including anything that may have been overlooked or requires clarification.”
The investigation is being conducted pro bono, with General Mear expected to compile its findings once the evidential review is complete. No findings have yet been made public.
General Mear Investigations and Security Firm
📞 +263 78 001 2279
This article concerns an ongoing post-conviction investigation and does not assert that the conviction was wrongful or that any person involved in the original proceedings acted unlawfully.
