Form 1 learner charged with murder

A Form One learner accused of fatally assaulting a fellow pupil during an altercation at Mushunje High School in Marange has appeared before the courts on a charge of murder.

The juvenile appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Poterai Gwezhira on Saturday and was remanded to July 23.

According to the State, represented by prosecutor Tavonga Mawire, the incident occurred on July 9 while both the accused and the deceased were attending lessons at the school.

The court heard that at around midday, a misunderstanding arose between the two classmates in a classroom with 42 pupils.

"The accused and the deceased started insulting each other. The now deceased stood up and slapped the accused once on the head," Mawire told the court.

The prosecution alleges that the accused retaliated by punching the deceased once in the face with a clenched fist.

The impact allegedly caused the deceased to collide with a desk before falling face-down onto the floor.

The injured learner was rushed to Mushunje Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The juvenile was released into the custody of his father, who was ordered by the court to ensure that he attends all future remand proceedings.

Police investigations into the incident are continuing.