Pupil hangs self over history lesson

AN Advanced Level pupil from Zaka's St Joseph High School who was preparing to write his final examinations allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself last week, following a heated dispute with his History teacher.

Kudzai Tavenga (18) of Svuure Village under Chief Bota was found hanging from a tree near the school by other pupils on their way home.

While acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa could not be reached for comment, police sources in Zaka confirmed the incident that happened last Friday at about 2pm.

The school head, a Mr Chikwati, did not entertain questions from Sunday News, saying he was not allowed to speak to the media.

"Sorry, I am not allowed to speak to the Press. You can contact my boss, the provincial education officer, Mr Zedias Chitiga. I cannot confirm whether it happened or not," Mr Chikwati said.

Mr Chitiga, however, said the report was yet to reach his office but said pupils should not be denied a chance to attend lessons.

"I am yet to receive that report but I would want to emphasise that pupils go to school to learn and depriving them that right is highly unacceptable. Until I get the report, I cannot comment on the incident," Mr Chitiga said.

According to pupils at the school, Kudazi had been barred by the History teacher from attending lessons as well as a history seminar organised for pupils by the school, which led him to commit suicide.

The body was taken to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem after which it was buried in the boy's village.

This incident comes hard on the heels of a similar incident in Zaka at a different school in August when a pupil hanged himself after failing his mid-year examinations.