Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
A CLOUD of grief has descended on Mushunje High School and the wider Marange community after a dispute over US$2 allegedly ended in tragedy, claiming the life of a Form One learner and leaving two families devastated.
When The Manica Post visited the home of the deceased, 14-year-old Leonard Karimanzira, in Mukosho Village on Tuesday, a sombre mood hung over the homestead as relatives, friends and neighbours gathered to comfort the bereaved family.
Villagers sat in silence, struggling to comprehend the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a young life cut short in a matter of moments.
At Mushunje High School, the shock was equally palpable. Learners and teachers were visibly distraught, with hushed conversations replacing the usual bustle of school life as they grappled with the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Many found it difficult to comprehend how what began as an ordinary school day could end with the death of one of their own.
According to the deceased’s uncle, Mr Pharaoh Manjeese, Leonard and the alleged assailant were inseparable friends who travelled to school together on their bicycles every day and shared almost everything.
“They were inseparable. They cycled to school together, shared lunchboxes and even shared whatever money they had. No one ever imagined that one would die at the hands of the other,” said a distraught Mr Manjeese, adding that they were informed that the misunderstanding started after one of the boys (name withheld) allegedly spent US$2 alone.
“We were told Leonard questioned his friend why he had not shared the money with him. An argument ensued, prompting Leonard to allegedly slap him once. Moments later, the other boy allegedly struck him with a fist below the ear. He fell backwards onto the cement floor and never regained consciousness,” said Mr Manjeese, further stressing that what began as a mere disagreement between buddies turned into a lifelong tragedy for both families.
Mr Manjeese said after the incident, the assailant allegedly mentioned that his father had previously instructed him to sprinkle water on anyone he fought after inscribing traditional medicine (mangoromera) on him.
“We heard that he later spoke about mangoromera, and said he was told to sprinkle water on someone after a fight, but those are unconfirmed reports from fellow learners who were present. Unfortunately, by then Leonard had already died,” he said, adding that they are waiting for an outcome of investigations before determining issues surrounding the case.
The deceased’s grandmother, Mrs Maud Manjeese, broke down as she recalled the moment she learnt of her grandson’s death, having initially believed he had merely lapsed.
“My daughter called saying Leonard had been beaten at school and was unconscious. As I was making my way to the clinic, she phoned again informing me that he had been declared dead.
“When I arrived, they showed me where his body had been placed, covered with a red blanket. I removed the blanket and touched him; his body was still warm. I honestly believed he had lapsed, and would wake up,” said Mrs Manjeese, who, in a state of denial, remained seated beside the body for hours, refusing to accept reality.
“It only became real when the doctor later came and started preparing his body. That is when I realised my grandson was truly gone. I expected him to return home from school that afternoon, but ended up preparing for his funeral,” she said, fighting back tears.
The family is waiting for the return of the body from Harare, where an autopsy has been scheduled for July 23, after which burial arrangements will be finalised.
Despite their sharp pain, grieving relatives harbour no hatred towards the accused’s family, describing the incident as a devastating accident that has traumatised both households.
Ms Margaret Manjeese said the families remain close neighbours, and will devise co-existing mechanisms after the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken, but we also know no child wakes up intending to kill another. Leonard was a quiet and respectful boy, who never liked fighting. We were shocked to hear he had slapped someone. The death has left both families traumatised. We believe it was a tragic accident, and hope peace will continue prevailing in our community,” she said.
The family also confirmed that traditional leaders had intervened in accordance with local customs.
Mr Pharaoh Manjeese said discussions facilitated by Chief Marange had taken place between the two families.
The alleged perpetrator’s family had accepted responsibility and undertaken to comply with the chief’s directives before the burial, while criminal proceedings continue before the courts.
“They were ordered to compensate us seven cattle; three to the Chief; and one, which should be slaughtered during the funeral. Chief Marange said this should be done before burial, or else the body will not be buried. They will come back to us on July 17, (today),” he said.
When The Manica Post also visited the alleged perpetrator’s homestead, family members declined to comment publicly on the matter.
The tragedy has since spilled into the courts, where the juvenile appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira, on a murder charge.
The court heard that the incident occurred on July 9, during normal lessons at Mushunje High School.
Prosecutor, Mr Tavonga Mawire, said both boys were attending lessons in the same class when a misunderstanding arose.
“There were 42 learners in the classroom when a misunderstanding arose between the two. The exchange quickly escalated into insults,” said Mr Mawire, adding that the deceased stood up and slapped the accused once.
Mr Mawire said the accused allegedly retaliated by punching the deceased once in the face with a clenched fist, causing him to lose balance, strike a classroom desk before collapsing onto the floor.
Teachers and fellow learners reportedly rushed to assist before he was taken to Mushunje Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The juvenile was remanded to July 23 for routine remand.
He was released into the custody of his father, who was ordered to ensure that he attends court.
Moffat Mungazi