Mutambara students destroy property over World Cup TV

Students at Mutambara High School in Chimanimani reportedly ran riot on Sunday and destroyed property worth hundreds of dollars after they were barred from watching World Cup soccer matches on television.

Although officials at the United Methodist Church-run boarding school declined to comment over the issue, sources said officials from the Ministry of Education's regional offices in Manicaland province were already investigating the incident.

Acting provincial education director Andrew Chigumira yesterday confirmed the disturbances, but said he was yet to receive a full report.

The students had initially been granted permission to watch the World Cup match pitting Netherlands against Mexico.  

According to sources, violence broke out after some students said they wanted to watch the match from the library while others insisted on using the facility for study.

Following the skirmishes, school authorities cancelled the screening of the matches.