Chronicle EditorWalter Mswazie Herald Correspondent
Scores of Chivi North villagers with children attending Mudadisi High School have reportedly forced its closure demanding the dismissal of a male teacher alleged to be a Satanist.
Headman Madyangove, Mr June Manyumbu, whose jurisdiction covers the area confirmed the demonstrations on Monday last week. He said he intervened with assistance from the Chivi district administrator, the school head a Mr Gwamure and the police.
“I can confirm that such an incident occurred in my area,” said Mr Manyumbu. “I also went to the school and addressed the protesting villagers. There are 10 teachers attending a pentecostal church near the school where a pastor identified as Pastor Makonese allegedly fingered one of the male teachers and his wife for practicing Satanism at the school.
“After villagers got wind of this, they went to the school and demonstrated, while demanding the dismissal of the said teacher. “Mr Gwamure was advised to address the problem amicably. I am yet to hear the school authorities’ strides in resolving the problem.”
Villagers who participated in the demonstration were from Dzviti, Madzivadondo and Chinyanga villages. Masvingo provincial education director Mr Zadius Chitiga confirmed receiving a report about the demonstrations.
“I received a report on demonstration by villagers over allegations of Satanism at Mudadisi High School,” he said. “I did my investigations on Wednesday and drew blanks.”
A villager, Mr Isaiah Penemene, said more than 50 villagers went to the school demanding the removal of the teacher. The villagers, he said, feared that their children could be initiated into the practice viewed by many as evil.
“The demonstrators allege that the male teacher and his wife may initiate their children into Satanism,” said Mr Penemene. “The demonstration was the second one after the same villagers besieged the school early last week (two weeks ago).”
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