'Satanist' teacher force school to shutdown

A TEACHER in Chikomba District has forced Zinatsa High School to shut down after being accused of being a Satanist by parents.

The parents pulled out their 480 children and demanded transfer of the teacher, Davis Mukumbi, from the school.

This comes as another nearby school, Chideme Secondary, is also experiencing the same problem, with reports that some children's skin is developing into snake like image colours, Daily News reported.

Zinatsa students' parents allege that several children were being possessed by evil spirits and went hysterical, an act they blamed on Mukumbi's 'satanic practices'.

On Wednesday, Zvichemo area headman one Munyimi before the villagers took action they had approached the school authorities who informed them that the teacher was resisting a transfer.

"Reports of strange things happening to our children have forced us to withdraw our children until the government intervenes to save them," said Munyimi.

Joyline Chimedza, a parent said she had since transferred all her children from the school fearing for their safety.

"We had never experienced this. When we started hearing reports of children being possessed by demons and claiming to work with the teacher I immediately transferred my child to Nzuma Secondary.

"I am a Christian and could not stomach Satanism," said Chimedza.

Allegations of Satanism involving teachers at schools have been on the increase in recent years leading to protests by parents.