Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THREE former Mavhudzi High School learners were handed two‑month custodial sentences after a brutal group bullying on a fellow learner — in a landmark ruling that underscores the judiciary’s zero‑tolerance stance on school‑based violence.
The incident, which occurred on the school premises on October 24, 2025 at around 8pm, saw the trio — Tatenda Severa (20), Trevor Mushore (19) and Lawrence Chamunorwa (20) — cornering and physically attacking a 19‑year‑old schoolmate, leaving him with facial and head bruises — without being provoked.
The three, who were doing Upper Six at Mavhudzi High School, appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, facing assault charges as defined in Section 89 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9.23).
The accused learners were not legally represented, and did not waste the court’s time, pleading guilty to the offence.
The three accused persons had no prior criminal record and showed remorse during proceedings. Mr Mahwe, delivering the sentence at Rusape Magistrates’ Court, said the punishment was intended to send a clear message that bullying and physical aggression have serious legal consequences.
He found them guilty of bullying, and sentenced them to pay a fine of US$300 or serve 60 days in jail.
A further three-month jail term was wholly suspended on condition that they do not commit any offence involving violence in the next five years.
Prosecutor, Ms Faith Mutukwa told the court that the trio severely attacked a 19‑year‑old Form Five learner with open hands and booted feet, striking him all over the body, but mainly targeting the face and head. They only stopped the assault when the complainant fainted.
The three accused the victim of disrespecting them by being in a relationship with a Upper Sixth girl.
“The accused persons and the complainant were all learners at Mavhudzi High School. On October 24, 2025 at around 8pm, at Mavhudzi High School, in Nyazura, the three accused persons went to the complainant’s dormitory, where they found him lying on his bed, with other learners (witnesses) present in the room. A school prefect, who was a Upper Sixth learner, also entered the dormitory, and warned the Lower Sixth learners to desist from disrespecting the Upper Sixth boys by having romantic relationships with Upper Sixth girls.
“Severa approached the complainant, grabbed one of his legs, pulled him, and the complainant fell to the ground. The complainant stood up, and Mushori slapped him several times with open hands on the face. The complainant tried to cover his face to prevent Mushori from further assaulting him, but Severa uncovered him, giving Mushori more opportunity to strike the complainant with fists all over his body.
“Chamunorwa joined in and kicked the complainant several times on the head and back. Mushori used his feet to push the complainant onto his bed, and the complainant fell unconscious for about 20 minutes. He sustained headache and chest pains. He was medically examined, and the medical report can be produced in court as evidence,” said Ms Mutukwa.
The bullying incident has ignited a wider debate on learners’ safety, prompting parents, teachers and community leaders to demand regular awareness campaigns and tougher disciplinary measures to protect learners and prevent future violence in schools. Education officials have been challenged to roll out mandatory anti‑bullying workshops, strengthen reporting channels, and involve counsellors — to create a safer, more respectful environment for all students across the province.
