From the Boardroom to a Prison Cell: The Fall of an Old Mutual Executive
The corporate world in Zimbabwe was shaken this week by the sentencing of Musa Nyasha David Manyika, a 41-year-old Business Development Manager at Old Mutual. Manyika, who was once on the fast track to the top of the financial services giant, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape of a University of Zimbabwe student.
The case, presided over by Harare Regional Magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse of power. The victim was a student on an Old Mutual scholarship—a scholarship Manyika allegedly used as a threat to keep her silent after the first assault in November 2022.
Despite his pleas for forgiveness after the acts, the law was clear: "Lust-induced weakness" is no excuse for violating the consent and safety of another human being.
How to Safeguard Your Integrity: Lessons for the Modern Zimbabwean Man The Manyika case is a tragic example of how poor choices can destroy a life's work in an instant. For men in positions of power, or those simply navigating the modern workplace, here is a guide on how to safeguard yourself and others by maintaining strict boundaries.
- Never Use Power as a "Barter" Manyika’s biggest downfall was leveraging a scholarship—a life-changing opportunity for a student—to coerce silence.
The Lesson: If you are in a position to help someone (hiring, scholarships, promotions), that relationship must remain purely professional. The moment you introduce a "favour" for a "favour," you have crossed a line that leads to criminal territory.
- Respect the "Venue" of Professionalism The first assault happened at the office under the guise of "packing banners." The second happened in a car after a "career discussion."
The Lesson: Conduct professional business in professional spaces. If you need to mentor or assist a subordinate or student, do it during office hours in open spaces. Avoid "after-hours" meetings at shops, bars, or private vehicles. These environments blur lines and create opportunities for bad decisions.
- Understand that "Silence" is Not "Consent" Manyika allegedly threatened the victim with the withdrawal of her scholarship to keep her quiet.
The Lesson: A person who is afraid to say "No" because they fear losing their education or job is not giving consent. True consent is enthusiastic and free from pressure. If you have to use a threat—even a subtle one—to get your way, you are committing a crime.
- Accountability Partners High-flying executives often feel "untouchable." This ego is a trap.
The Lesson: Surround yourself with people who can call you out. If you find yourself tempted to use your position for personal gain or lust, talk to a mentor or a trusted friend before you take an action that cannot be undone.
- The "Five-Second" Rule for Character Manyika’s life changed in "moments of weakness."
The Lesson: Before acting on an impulse, think five years into the future. Ask yourself: "Is this worth my career, my family, and 15 years in Chikurubi?" The answer is always no.
The Bottom Line Rape is a choice, not a mistake. The Zimbabwean justice system has shown through this 15-year sentence that no matter how high you climb in the corporate world, you are never above the law. Safeguarding yourself as a man starts with respecting the dignity and autonomy of women—especially those who look up to you for guidance.