Headmaster instructed to draw blood from pupils for ritual purposes

A dramatic dispute between Compassion Junior School owner Pastor Asmeri Jeffreys and her former headmaster, Pastor David Garudzo, has spilled into the Epworth Magistrates' Court, sparking sensational allegations and drawing in an unexpected third party.

At the centre of the controversy are bizarre claims by Garudzo, who alleges that during his brief tenure as headmaster, he was instructed to draw blood from the fingers of pupils for ritual purposes. Garudzo, who resigned just a month after joining the school, claims he quit over what he describes as spiritual practices that conflicted with his Christian beliefs.

Garudzo has since filed for a protection order against Pastor Jeffreys, asserting that her actions following his resignation were meant to intimidate and discredit him. However, before the matter could be heard, his landlord unexpectedly appeared at court demanding US$120 in unpaid rent - a move Garudzo claims is orchestrated by Pastor Jeffreys in an attempt to sabotage his case.

"Pastor Jeffreys was the one paying my rent," Garudzo told reporters outside the court. "This is just a counter-attack to intimidate me. The court couldn't find the necessary documents and postponed the hearing to June 16."

Garudzo further alleges that after his resignation, Pastor Jeffreys took two of his shirts, which he fears may be used for ritualistic purposes. He also said she had asked the court for a postponement of the hearing, claiming she had to attend a church function in Domboshava.

In a strongly worded rebuttal, Pastor Jeffreys dismissed all the allegations as false and malicious. She accused Garudzo of attempting to tarnish both her reputation and that of her ministry.

"He came to my school as a pastor from another church, and within weeks started making these wild accusations," she said. "If I were truly drawing blood from children, do you think parents would have stayed silent all this time? His claims are ridiculous and meant to damage my school."

Jeffreys acknowledged taking Garudzo's shirts but said she had sewn them herself to improve his appearance as school head.

"He joined us looking very untidy, despite his qualifications. I made those shirts for him, not for any rituals," she said.

The case has gripped the local community, with parents, teachers, and congregants watching closely. With the hearing now set for June 16, many are hoping that the court will bring clarity to the swirling allegations and counter-allegations surrounding one of Epworth's most controversial educational disputes.