Old Mutual Senior Manager Case Sparks Heated Discussion on Workplace Power Abuse

The court case involving Musa Nyasha Dube Manyika, a senior manager at Old Mutual, has ignited intense debates on consent and power dynamics in relationships. Manyika, who is the Business Development Manager at the financial giant and oversees the Old Mutual Scholarship programme, is accused of raping a 23-year-old female student who was on attachment at the company.

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Allegations and Arrest

According to court documents, the alleged incidents occurred in November 2022 and June 2023. Prosecutors allege that Manyika locked the complainant in his office under the pretext of packing banners and then assaulted her. In June, he reportedly met her again at Ashbrittle Shops, where the complainant claims he forced himself on her in his car.

The complainant, a beneficiary of the Old Mutual Scholarship programme, eventually filed a police report, leading to Manyika’s arrest. Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa granted him free bail, citing no flight risk, and the case was remanded to January 15, 2025, for trial.

Online Reactions

Social media erupted as users shared their opinions on the case, with many pointing to the significant power imbalance between the accused and the complainant.

“His position was too senior, and hers too vulnerable for anyone to even talk about consent in this issue,” tweeted @maud_chifamba. “A whole married man at that. Despicable!”

Others highlighted a culture of silence and systemic abuse. “As a scholarship girlie, I want to thank VaNyagura and VaPasi for treating me like their own daughter,” added @maud_chifamba. “The horror stories girls go through with scholarship officers are appalling.”

Critics also questioned Old Mutual’s silence. @BloggoJones tweeted, “Not a single word from @OldMutualZW about this? The culture there is definitely rotten.”

Some users blamed patriarchal structures for enabling such behaviour. @Sarah3Fav stated, “The problem in Zim cascades to companies like these. Patriarchy protects sick men at all costs.”

Power Dynamics Under Scrutiny

The allegations have reignited conversations about power dynamics in workplaces and mentorship programmes. Many users shared personal experiences, warning young women about the risks of being alone with senior male colleagues.

@Suzysheep_zw recalled, “When we were on attachment, one of the ladies warned us about being alone with these men in higher positions. Companies often distance themselves from the bad publicity instead of protecting victims.”

@YourGirlTino added perspective on the bail decision, tweeting, “Free bail doesn’t mean he’s innocent. It just means he’s not a flight risk.”

However, not all reactions were sympathetic to the complainant. @rollogoodlove_ remarked, “It’s unfortunate she was raped, but why agree to meet him again? That decision makes the whole thing look suspicious.”

Broader Implications

The case has also sparked broader debates about the treatment of women in workplaces. “If we were to inject truth serum into all women in Zimbabwean workplaces, most would reveal they’ve been harassed or exploited by bosses,” claimed @TendiSibbs.

@funshelf emphasised, “There was a power imbalance in this arrangement. She was not a consenting adult but a manipulated one.”

While the case is ongoing, many are calling for systemic change. “Men who use their positions of power on women deserve the harshest of sentences,” tweeted @spattymitchel.

Old Mutual has yet to release an official statement on the matter despite the mounting pressure from the public.