Pupils force headmaster off school premises

THERE was pandemonium at Chakohwa High School last Wednesday after the headmaster's attempt to administer corporal punishment on a pupil backfired when the pupil, with the help of aggrieved teachers, mobilised other pupils to mutiny and forced the school head out of the school premises accusing him of practising satanism.

The headmaster, Mr James Chamanwa must be regretting beating the male student for not tucking-in his shirt after irate pupils damaged his vehicle before forcing him out of the school premises while chanting revolutionary songs.

The incident led to the disruption of lessons. Mr Chamanwa, is yet to return to the school.

Chakohwa High School, which enrols 682 pupils, is under Chimanimani district along the Mutare Masvingo highway.

When contacted for comment, Manicaland Provincial Education Director (PED) Mr Edward Shumba said: "I have heard about the case and I have sent a team to investigate the matter. I am told that the headmaster tried to administer corporal punishment to a student who then retaliated together with other students. What we are saying is that two wrongs don't make a right. In as much as the student was wrong the headmaster must not have administered corporal punishment. It was outlawed."

Mr Shumba said he cannot comment on Satanism as it is difficult to prove.

"It is unfortunate that I cannot comment about Satanism simply because that is something we cannot prove. We only want the school space to be respected. Teaching and learning is our core business. I can only give a comprehensive comment about all issues related to the matter after the team investigating the matter have finished their job," he said.

Apparently, students at Chakohwa High, teachers and villages in the area are no strangers to issues related to Satanism.

Exactly one month ago, scores of irate parents besieged the school baying for the blood of school authorities accused of practicing Satanism after the school was plagued by larger-than-life, underworld and or satanic occurrences that caused discomfort and fear in pupils, parents and teachers.

When The Manica Post arrived at the school, the situation had returned to normalcy but emotions were still running high among teachers, students and parents who want the headmaster transferred.

Headman Evans Mutidzawanda, who once presided over the matter at his traditional court, said parents no longer want the headmaster at the school

"This case was once brought before us. When such things happen we have our own way of helping the situation which is different from what authorities in the education industry do. We did our best to solve the matter but it appears the problem is persisting hence parents no longer want the headmaster at the school as he is also being fingered by parents and students as one of those involved in satanic acts.

"All that we have managed to do it to control parent so that learning goes ahead while a lasting solution is being worked out. Parents are serious and they are even ready to withdraw their children if the headmaster remains at the school," he said.

Mr Chamanwa refused to comment on the matter citing professional restrictions but maintained he does not believe in the religious or traditional ways that were used to solve the problem of Satanism at the school.

"I was once called to attend a gathering at the local traditional leader's court where they were trying to solve the issue of Satanism. I actually left a church gathering to attend that meeting little had I known that there is a local politician (name supplied) who had already mobilised people against me. They baptised me with milk and all sorts of rituals that I do not believe in. I am going through a difficult time because of things I do not believe in but just being forced on me. It is unfortunate that I cannot comment much about the issue because of professional restrictions," he said.

At the height of the Chakohwa High Satanism real life drama, teachers who requested anonymity confirmed the strange occurrences that include waking up to see huge piles of human faeces on their doorsteps and pubic hair under their pillows.

Sometimes swarms of bees and scourge of mosquitoes would appear in classes, forcing the disruption of lessons.

Snakes were also reportedly appearing in classrooms and it is believed that some pupils were allegedly initiated into Satanism through gifts such as necklaces and food.