‘PE pupil died of lung, head problems’

spokesperson Inspector Radius Chibanda confirmed the post-mortem report, saying this would help dispel rumours of foul play.

“This report will silence all the rumours circulating that Gerald Makamure was murdered. We are going to continue with our investigations in order to completely clear this issue,” he said.

According to the post-mortem report the pupil suffered from pulmonary oedema due to left ventricle hypertrophy, which medical experts say means fluid accumulation in the lungs, usually because the heart’s left ventricle does not pump adequately.

He also suffered from a pituitary tumour, which is an abnormal growth in the part of the brain that regulates the body’s balance of hormones. Gerald also suffered increased intracranial pressure, described by medical experts as the rise of pressure in the skull that usually results in brain injury.

In an interview with The Herald the boy’s father, Mr John Makamure, urged schools to consider having medically qualified personnel who examine pupils before they take part in any sport.

He said Gerald’s death could have been avoided had such a medical person examined him before he took part in sporting activities.

“Schools should seriously consider having fully qualified medical personnel who examine and ascertain pupils’ fitness to take part in sporting activities,” said Mr Makamure.