Satanism scare hits Muzarabani schools

MUZARABANI - Panic has reportedly gripped parts of Muzarabani District following incidents at Chidikamwedzi and Chawarura secondary schools that have disrupted learning and left parents, teachers and community leaders calling for urgent intervention.

Reports from the two schools allege that more than 20 learners have been affected by unexplained disturbances, with some reportedly collapsing during lessons and exhibiting unusual behaviour that has alarmed school authorities and community members.

Parents and local leaders say the incidents have created fear among learners, with some reportedly reluctant to attend classes.

A local politician who visited the schools described the situation as serious and requiring urgent attention.

"What is happening at Chidikamwedzi and Chawarura is real and it is disturbing. More than 20 children have fallen victim. Lessons are being disrupted almost every day. We cannot pretend this is normal. Our children need help, and our schools need protection," the politician said.

Community leaders also confirmed that efforts were underway to address the situation.

"We have seen it with our own eyes. Our children are suffering. As custodians of the community, we have tried to intervene through our traditional ways, but this needs everyone, including the Ministry, churches, traditional leaders and parents, to come together. We cannot leave our children to suffer alone," said one community leader.

Responding to questions from this publication, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro confirmed that the ministry had received reports concerning the incidents.

"The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education takes reports of disturbances affecting teaching and learning at Chidikamwedzi and Chawarura Secondary Schools seriously. Our primary concern is always the safety, welfare and psychological well-being of learners and teachers, as well as the uninterrupted delivery of education," Ndoro said.

He said the ministry's Department of Learner Welfare, Special Needs and Psychological Services was available to provide professional guidance, counselling and psychosocial support.

"While we acknowledge reports of alleged spiritual manifestations, it is important that such occurrences are approached with sensitivity, responsibility and without prematurely drawing conclusions about their causes," he said.

Ndoro added that the ministry was engaging parents, traditional leaders, communities and other stakeholders in efforts to manage the situation.

"The Ministry recognises that incidents of this nature cannot be addressed by the education sector acting alone. We have always engaged parents, local communities, traditional leaders and other relevant stakeholders to assist in managing such occurrences," he said.

He further noted that health professionals and other specialists could be involved where necessary to safeguard the well-being of affected learners.

On preventing similar incidents in future, Ndoro said some challenges fall beyond the direct mandate of the education sector and require a coordinated community response.

"We are an education Ministry, and while we have mechanisms to manage disruptions to learning, it would be unrealistic to expect the Ministry alone to prevent the recurrence of incidents whose origins and causes may fall outside our professional and institutional jurisdiction," Ndoro said.

Meanwhile, parents have appealed for swift intervention to restore normal learning conditions and reassure learners.

As investigations and support measures continue, concern remains high within the affected communities as stakeholders seek solutions that will allow teaching and learning to proceed without disruption.