Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
SOME prefects at Chinyika High School, a private boarding school in Goromonzi, are being accused of bullying Form One students, including forcing them to do gruelling physical exercises as early as 2am.
During these exercises, the prefects are being accused of randomly beating the students with brooms.
One particular prefect, known as “Smokey,” has been fingered as one of the main culprits in the bullying of these Form One students.
Reports last night claimed he was expelled from another school before enrolling at Chinyika High School.
The alarming accounts of bullying were shared by the students during a recent school visit on Saturday.
Foster Ruwiza, the school headmaster, has confirmed receipt of these troubling reports.
He acknowledged that some parents have formally raised their concerns about the prefects’ behaviour.
Ruwiza assured parents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to address the situation.
“We learnt about the bullying issue from parents during their visit last Saturday,” Ruwiza said.
“We encourage our students to use established channels to voice their grievances.
“Unfortunately, the failure to do so has led to speculation and discord within the school community.”
Following the initial reports, investigations revealed that certain prefects were, indeed, bullying other students.
Ruwiza indicated that those responsible have been warned.
“We are working with the parents of these students to find alternative schooling options as their behaviour has become increasingly disruptive,” he said.
In light of these events, some students have expressed a desire to leave the school.
Some victims have been pleading with their parents for transfer letters saying they were now fearing for their safety.
One parent urged school authorities to reconsider the powers granted to prefects.
“Our concern is how the school’s administration can allow one student to wield so much power over others,” he said.
“Being a prefect does not remove the fact that they are still students.”
Another parent said the situation at Chinyika High School highlights the urgent need for effective measures to prevent bullying and ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students. “It is a call to action for both school authorities and parents to foster a culture of respect and accountability,” said the parent.
Mathew Masinge