Police in Zimbabwe have arrested a 53-year-old Tarirai Mararike who is the deputy headmaster of Chemhanza High School in Hwedza over allegations of brutally assaulting 23 pupils.
Reports revealed that he was arrested after photos of bruised young teenage girls circulated on social media.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Zimbabwean National police spokesperson confirmed the arrest of the deputy headmaster.
Nyathi said he is expected in court this week after the 23 pupils filed a police report regarding the alleged assault.
Nyathi said;
Police has picked a suspect in connection with the assault of learners at Chemhanza High School.
Twenty-three pupils who are alleged to have been assaulted made a police report and by yesterday (Tuesday) police had picked up the school’s deputy head.
On January 18, 23 pupils made a police report against the suspect. We are currently investigating the incident
The country’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has since condemned the illegal and inhuman assault on teenage girls.
Mr Taungana Ndoro, the Ministry’s spokesperson said;
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is concerned about the assault of pupils at Chemhanza High School allegedly by school authorities and strongly condemns such inhumane disciplinary measures on our learners in a complete violation of Section 68A (5) of the Education Act as per Education Amendment Act of 2020
Unconfirmed reports alleged that the 23 girls were beaten for making noise during examination time, while others suggested that the girls were assaulted for mischievious acts.
