Shocking: Grade 7 Pupils Stabs, Murders Classmate
A 15-year-old Grade Seven pupil from Mwacheta Primary School in Chipinge fatally stabbed his classmate following an altercation on Tuesday.
The pupils had had a misunderstanding at school and were on their way home.
The incident occurred just two days before the students were due to commence their grade seven exams (on Thursday).
Chipinge District Schools Inspector, Mr Richard Gabaza and district police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Jouwert Kamera, confirmed the death of Proud Simango.
“Among those who witnessed the stabbing was a Grade Six pupil, Angeline Semwayo, who rushed back to the school to inform the authorities. The headmaster sent a rescue team, but upon arrival, the perpetrators had disappeared,” he said.
“Proud was stabbed by another Grade Seven student with the assistance of his uncle, Tichaona Mabemba,” said Mr Gabaza.
“This sad incident took place while the pupils were on their way home at around 1 pm and about 2,5km from the school premises.
Mr Gabaza said the rescue team which included the deputy headmaster was assisted by other pupils to carry the victim into a hired truck.
They were also joined by parents of both the perpetrators and the victim and rushed Proud to Chipinge District Hospital.
The victim was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival at Chipinge hospital and his body is in the mortuary awaiting post-mortem.
Asst Insp Kamera said Mabhemba and the 15-year-old Grade Seven pupil have since been arrested and are assisting police with investigations.
According to a teacher at the school, the two pupils had a misunderstanding at school and the suspect teamed up with his uncle after school to waylay Proud on his way home.
“When he realised that danger was imminent, Proud took to his heels. One of the suspects shot him with a catapult on the leg. Proud stopped running and Mabhemba ordered the juvenile to kill him.
“Without hesitation, the Grade Seven student stabbed Proud on the ribs. Proud collapsed and bled profusely,” said Assistant Inspector Kamera.
The SDC chairperson, Mr Paonei Machuwaire, said parents were devastated by the incident.
“We are dumbfounded. These children should have been preparing for their exams. Life has been lost unnecessarily. We are sending our condolences to the Simangos for the loss of their son,” he said.
