Headmistress Who Beat Up Teachers Reinstated
The headmistress returned to her position on September 4, 2024, despite the unresolved charges.
Headmistress Who Beat Up Teachers Reinstated
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is currently investigating allegations of corruption and assault against Kumalo Primary School headmistress, Stella Mhlanga in Bulawayo.
Deputy Bludgeons Head & Teachers with Baseball Bat
Mhlanga, who was suspended from August 14, 2024, to November 4, 2024, pending a disciplinary hearing, has since been reinstated under controversial circumstances.
Following the headmistress’s suspension, the education ministry appointed deputy head, Eneles Sibanda, in acting capacity until Mhlanga’s case was resolved.
However, the headmistress returned to her position on September 4, 2024, despite the unresolved charges, raising concerns about the transparency of the disciplinary process.
The education ministry had initially scheduled a hearing for August 29, 2024, but it was abruptly cancelled after Lameck Mudyiwa, chairperson of the disciplinary committee and the Director of Human Resources at the same ministry, who was reportedly en route to Bulawayo from Gweru, was allegedly instructed by senior ministry officials in Harare to abandon the hearing, according to sources.
Headmistress Who Beat Up Teachers Reinstated
In a notice signed by Mudyiwa, the hearing process was outlined: “Please note and be informed that you may produce at the hearing any documents, books, records, or other things in your possession or under your control which may be of relevance to the allegations levelled against Mrs. Mhlanga Stella.”
Witnesses, including teachers and parents, expressed frustration over the stalled hearing.
Edison Manzongo, a parent and member of the School Development Committee (SDC), revealed that 19 complainants had gathered for the aborted hearing.
“We feel someone in high offices is protecting the headmistress while shortchanging children and parents who are hard done by Mhlanga’s military leadership style. As we speak, Mhlanga has been reinstated while the disciplinary hearing is still pending. Chances are that witnesses will be victimised,” Manzongo said.
Despite her reinstatement, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo stated that Mhlanga is not exonerated.
“What you are referring to are individual disciplinary issues. We do not discuss contractual matters with the media. The director responsible for that (disciplinary) process is handling the issue,” the education minister said in an interview.
