Maphisa police brutalise learners during crime awareness drive

What was meant to be a crime awareness campaign at Mahetshe Primary School in Maphisa has sparked national outrage and calls for accountability after police officers reportedly assaulted several pupils, leaving some injured and traumatised.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, during a scheduled event meant to educate learners on crime prevention. However, it quickly devolved into scenes of brutality, with eyewitnesses recounting disturbing images of children being slapped, beaten with canes, lifted by their ears, and left crying in pain.

Community leaders, parents, and human rights advocates have condemned the incident, calling for a full investigation and possible criminal charges against the officers and school authorities who orchestrated the operation.

According to multiple eyewitnesses and parents who spoke to CITE, learners from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 7 were physically assaulted by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers over alleged offences such as "dating, sexual intercourse, stealing packed lunches, bullying, and failing to deliver civvies and floor polish money."

At least three officers were involved in the beatings, including a female officer identified as Madlabuzela from Maphisa Police Station and a plainclothes officer named Ndlovu. The school headmistress, Sibusiso Moyo, was absent due to illness, leaving Deputy Head Sibonginkosi Ncube in charge.

Ward 20 Councillor Sanelisiwe Mhlophe, who was nearby during a community water meeting, described hearing "cries and slaps" from the school premises. "We saw three police officers beating the children. No one informed the parents what was going on," she said. "Even the youngest children in ECD were not spared."

Many parents said they were never informed of the police visit, nor did they give consent for such disciplinary action. One mother said her child with an ear condition was picked up by the ears and slapped. Another said her Grade 7 child was beaten approximately 15 times on the buttocks and later required hospital treatment.

"They did not beat the children - they tortured them," said another guardian. "These are young, innocent children. Why didn't they involve social workers or speak to parents first?"

The flashpoint appears to have stemmed from an incident where a child allegedly stole US$20 from a teacher selling snacks. The school, together with the School Development Committee (SDC), reportedly opted to call the police to address behavioural concerns, but instead of a dialogue, the officers delivered physical punishment.

A community meeting convened by Village Head Shakespeare Ndlovu on 30 May to address the matter was snubbed by the police, education officials, and school leaders. Only two SDC members attended. A follow-up meeting on 2 June at Kezi Police Station was similarly unsatisfactory, leaving parents angrier and feeling sidelined.

"The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is investigating the matter," said Taungana Ndoro, the Ministry's Director of Communications and Advocacy. He confirmed a joint investigation is underway with the ZRP and emphasised that corporal punishment is illegal under Section 81 of the Constitution and the Education Amendment Act of 2020.

"While the school's intent to curb criminal behaviour is understood, police were not authorised to administer punishment," Ndoro said. "We will engage parents and train schools in lawful, rights-based disciplinary alternatives."

Initially defensive, Matabeleland South Acting Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, seemed to downplay the incident.

"We don't have a formal complaint," Mguni said. "What we know is that police addressed issues of child delinquency. Parents were consulted."

However, as the interview progressed, Mguni appeared to soften, acknowledging community concerns and urging open communication. "If people are not satisfied, they must come forward clearly. Crime affects everyone, and we must address such issues as a team," he said.

He urged village leaders to raise concerns transparently: "Don't let unresolved issues boil under the surface."

Prominent human rights lawyer Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda slammed the police actions as "barbaric" and "illegal," arguing they reflect broader state abuse.

"This is not just about punishing children. The police have no right to beat anyone, especially minors. It's a gross violation of child rights," Sibanda said. "These officers must be dismissed and prosecuted."

He called the event "an extension of Zimbabwe's authoritarian policing culture" and demanded international condemnation, including from African states like South Africa. "This must not be swept under the rug."

Calls are mounting from parents and community members for the immediate redeployment of the police officers involved, and the transfer of school authorities who facilitated the incident.

"This cannot go unpunished," said PR Councillor Feluna Ncube. "Children are now afraid of school and the police. Even my grandchild in ECD cried when we mentioned going back to school."

As the Ministry and ZRP begin formal investigations, Maphisa residents are vowing to continue their push for justice. The incident has become a lightning rod for discussions around child rights, police accountability, and ethical education practices in Zimbabwe.