Gangsterism rife in schools

Chronicle Reporter
EVER imagined that cults that are popular at colleges in Nigerian movies could be real and happening in our own schools?
Three pupils were allegedly stabbed at a schools modelling show at the Amphitheatre in Bulawayo recently in acts of gangsterism perpetrated by squads that are reportedly terrorising fellow pupils in schools.  The show was attended by pupils from different schools and school leavers as well.

Chronicle established that there are a number of “cults” at some schools in the western suburbs (names withheld), turning learning institutions into war zones.

The groups have strange names like “Wrong Turn”, one for girls and the other for boys and “Mtavo” which are in Nkulumane and Nketa suburbs respectively while other groups are in Lobengula suburb.

Indications are that the rowdy drunken youths that attacked cars during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April this year and smashed shop windows last year could be members of these groups.

In separate interviews, victims of the groups said they were now living in fear of being attacked any time at school or in the suburbs.
“We were at a modelling show when some boys started robbing people of their valuables like caps, spectacles and necklaces. They would attack anyone who refused to give them the items and in the process some were stabbed. Babefuna abagqoke ama kepesi alamalabeli,” said a pupil from a local school.

It is said that the groups threaten fellow schoolmates to join them.
“There are a number of groups and each identifies with its particular school or suburb. Their motto is that those from each particular suburb would not mix with those from another suburb. It was towards the end of the show when they attacked those who had started walking towards the city centre to go home.

“About three boys approached a certain girl and demanded that she gives them a cap and necklace, which she did out of fear. They proceeded to a certain boy whom they stabbed as he fled from them as they wanted his cap.

“A few moments later we saw the boy bleeding and struggling to walk after being stabbed. He fell down and was picked by other pupils who went with him to Bulawayo Police Station. The gangsters thought he was dead when they stabbed him,” said a witness.

The boy, whose name and that of his school are withheld, sustained stab wounds on the back and side of chest and was admitted to the United Bulawayo Hospitals.

He was discharged after a week and his family said he is yet to recover as he cannot walk upright due to pain.
Two others were also treated and discharged at the same hospital after being mugged by the same squad.
Their family members said they were living in fear that the gang could attack them again.

“We wonder why police have not arrested these rowdy youths. They stabbed him because he refused to give them a cap and spectacles. Many people are saying they know those behind the attack and we wonder why police are not arresting them,” said a relative of one of the victims.

Only one suspect from Lobengula has been arrested and is set to appear in court today.
Contacted for comment, police spokesperson for Bulawayo Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo warned rowdy members of the public against violence.

He said police were still investigating the issue and would soon round up the suspects.
“We are not yet aware of the groups but those who have received such threats should come forward and report. We are going to look into that as police,” he  said.

“Whoever is doing that should be warned not to partake in such criminal acts. If they take advantage of mob psychology we will soon round them up and they will be in trouble.”