Goblins attack new school learners

A wave of unexplained incidents at Sikajaya Muntanga Primary School has left a rural community gripped by fear, as learners continue to collapse during lessons and report disturbing experiences that many are struggling to understand.

At the centre of the crisis is a young pupil, Twalumba Mudenda, whose condition has come to symbolise the anxiety spreading among families. Once a focused student with dreams of becoming a doctor, he now attends school in visible distress. His father, Thomas Mudenda, described the trauma of seeing his son collapse and remain unconscious for an hour, an episode that has shaken the family.

The school, which only opened in September last year, has in recent weeks recorded at least 17 affected learners out of about 350 enrolled. Most are in Grades 3 to 5. Witnesses say pupils suddenly faint in class or run away in fear, claiming they are being pursued or tormented by unseen forces. What has made the situation even more alarming is the pattern — when one child collapses, others reportedly follow, and recover in a similar sequence.

District education authorities have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Edson Masungo confirmed that the matter has been escalated, but noted that differing beliefs within the community have complicated efforts to respond. Schools cannot impose a single approach, whether religious or traditional, and parents have instead been advised to seek appropriate help individually.

Community leaders say the crisis reflects a deeper tension between tradition and modern life. Nkatazo Siatabwa expressed concern over the disruption to education, while also highlighting how divisions in belief systems are making it harder to find a unified solution. In the past, such incidents might have led to traditional rituals, but today's mixed religious landscape has created uncertainty over how to proceed.

In response, parents and local leaders organised a night vigil that combined prayers and traditional practices. During the gathering, some children reported vivid and frightening visions, including shadowy figures and voices calling out to them. These accounts have deepened the mystery and heightened urgency within the community.

Local voices remain divided. Some, like traditional leader Milonga Chooma, believe ancestral intervention is necessary, while others point to the need for a broader reassessment of how tradition and modern influences coexist. Meanwhile, parents such as Luzibo Mutale are focused on immediate safety, expressing fear for their children and a desperate need for answers.

Beyond the spiritual interpretations, the situation is also raising practical concerns. Teachers are struggling to maintain normal lessons, pupils are losing valuable learning time, and the wider community is under strain. Civic groups, including the Binga Residents Trust, have described the situation as deeply distressing.

As investigations continue, what is clear is that the crisis has gone beyond isolated incidents. It has become a complex community challenge — one that sits at the intersection of health, belief, education and social cohesion — with families hoping for clarity, stability and a return to normal school life.