Storm damages three schools, leaves pupils in hospital

Danisa Masuku 

FOUR pupils were injured after whirlwinds destroyed three schools in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North province blowing off roofs of classrooms, a kitchen and a tuck-shop.

Tshabanda Secondary School and two primary schools — Manqe and Sihazela were affected.

Sources told B-Metro that at Tshabanda Secondary School pupils screamed in terror as the strong winds flung debris from the buildings.  

“It was a terrible incident, on Friday last week when strong winds blew off roofs of three classrooms and of a tuck-shop and shattered window panes of a kitchen,” said a teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Pupils had to scurry for cover as the roof came off the Home Economics block.

“Four pupils were injured in a stampede in the ensuing pandemonium. They were rushed to Tsholotsho District Hospital for treatment,” said the source.

“Almost all windows at the home economics block and a tuck-shop were shattered,” added the source. 

Teachers were not spared by the violent winds.

“Four teachers’ cottages roofs were blown off, due to that, four teachers were left stranded and we do not know when this will be fixed. Just imagine now I have to put up at one of my colleagues’ place,” said a teacher.

The source said the whirlwinds left a trail of destruction at Manqe Primary School, blowing off roofs from six classroom blocks and a computer laboratory.

“We thank God because no pupils were injured and the strong winds struck after the learners had knocked off from school,” said the source.  

At Sihazela Primary School, the winds blew off the roofs of four classrooms and a teacher’s cottage.

Contacted for a comment provincial education director for Matabeleland North province Jabulani Mpofu confirmed the incident: “Three schools were damaged by strong winds last week on Friday. Four pupils were rushed to hospital after they sustained minor injuries. Our team is on the ground to evaluate the situation and quantify the damage. Well-wishers have promised to chip in with assistance and we are appealing for more assistance.”