Mothers seek answers for children’s bizarre behaviour

Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter

AN 18-year-old teenager from Hauna Growth Point is allegedly exhibiting strange and violent behaviour after being attacked by learners and teachers from a nearby private school, leaving his mother living in fear.

Elizabeth Nyamahono of Hauna Phase 2, said her son, Moses Nyamahono, began showing signs of possession and mental disturbance following the alleged assault by learners and staff from Prestige Junior and Academy.

In an interview on Tuesday, Nyamahono recounted the events that unfolded last year.

“I witnessed a bizarre scene at the school which is in our neighbourhood, which marked the beginning of these strange occurrences. I stood outside my gate one morning and witnessed a distressing scene. A schoolgirl was screaming and crying, claiming she wanted to see her father. She appeared possessed. Her fellow learners and teachers attempted to restrain her. From that day on, my life changed,” she said, alleging that she and her son were attacked by a group of learners and staff from the same school.

“They descended upon us appearing possessed, shouting, and assaulting us. They accused me of spreading rumours about learners manifesting at the school, which was false. I was bitten by some of the learners and hospitalised.

“My son, Moses, was severely attacked, and he was never the same again,” she said.

Nyamahono described how Moses began exhibiting violent behaviour soon after the alleged incident.

“He screams, shouts, and smashes everything in sight. I now fear for my own child. When he is in that state, he is not himself. His eyes, voice, and strength change uncontrollably,” she said.

Nyamahono claimed she has sought answers from the school authorities, but her concerns were disregarded.

“Initially, they appeared receptive, but now they refuse to engage with me. They accuse me of fabricating stories, yet many locals are aware of the strange occurrences at the school. Children frequently manifest there, and we live in fear, with no one offering assistance,” she revealed.
Another parent, Sheilla Matose expressed similar concerns about the school, alleging her son, Matthew was also attacked by the academy’s learners and staff.

“It seemed as though they were under some sort of a spell or spirit. Their behaviour was far from normal. Now, like Nyamahono, I fear for my child’s well-being. We are uncertain what this school is doing to our children,” she said, adding that community members who question the school are intimidated or labelled troublemakers.

“Fear pervades our community. People are reluctant to speak out, fearing repercussions. As mothers, we are desperate for our children’s safety and well-being,” said Matose.

Both women plan to seek justice and spiritual guidance through Chief Mutasa’s community court.

“We cannot afford legal representation, so we will approach our traditional leaders for guidance. I hope the chief will hear our plea and facilitate the involvement of elders who can pray or cleanse my son,” said Nyamahono.

As a mother, Nyamahono admitted feeling emotionally drained, struggling to sleep at night.

“I love my son, whom I carried for nine months and raised with love. However, during his manifestations, I barely recognise him. I cry daily, exhausted by my desire to see him healed,” she said.

Repeated attempts to contact authorities at Prestige Junior and Academy were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
Similar efforts to get in touch with the Mutasa District Schools Inspector, Mrs Chipo Mlambo were also fruitless.