Learner suffers brain damage after assault by classmates

A Grade 6 pupil from St Peters Primary School in Mazwi Village, on the outskirts of Bulawayo, has reportedly suffered brain damage after being assaulted by six of her classmates. The shocking incident occurred last week after the victim, Rackel Muzamba (13), attempted to stop her classmates from misusing school chalks in the absence of their teacher.

According to Precious Muzamba, the victim's mother, the assault occurred when Rackel attempted to intervene and stop her classmates from wasting chalk. Her efforts angered the group, who waited for her in a bush, where they violently attacked her.

Rackel was left unconscious after the brutal assault until another pupil, passing by the area, noticed her and alerted nearby villagers, who rushed to her aid. The assault has left her with significant psychological and physical damage, including pressure of speech, a condition marked by rapid, excessive speech, making it hard to understand what the speaker is saying.

Following the attack, Precious Muzamba sought help from the school authorities. A meeting was arranged with the parents of the children involved in the assault, but the parents claimed they were unable to assist with medical bills. Muzamba then turned to the Social Welfare Department, which referred her to Mpilo Central Hospital for further treatment.

"Despite engaging with the parents of the children, they have claimed they do not have money to help with my daughter's hospital bills. I haven't reported the matter to the police because I hoped to settle it with the parents first," Muzamba explained.

She continued, "Rackel was discharged from the hospital yesterday (Thursday). She has been speaking in a way that I cannot understand. She mentioned seeing things, which worries me. I fear she has suffered brain damage, and she is unable to use the toilet on her own. This is the fourth day now."

The family, already struggling financially after the death of Rackel's father, is unable to afford the medication prescribed to her, including essential paracetamol tablets for pain relief.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Muzamba remains determined to seek justice and adequate care for her daughter, who continues to struggle with both physical and psychological effects of the attack.

This incident has raised serious concerns about student discipline and the safety of children in schools, with parents and guardians urging authorities to take swift action. Local community members have expressed concern over the lack of support from the perpetrators' families, with many calling for greater intervention from school and social authorities to prevent such incidents from happening again.