The ManicaPost
Trust Bvaranga
Chipinge Correspondent
SEVEN Chipinge villagers were each fined US$100 for inciting public violence after they besieged Bangwe Primary School, accusing teachers of practicing satanism.
Clemence Bote (48), Willard Sithole (43), Abel Simba Sithole (55), Takudzwa Sithole (24), Edmore Maposa (34), Mollen Pepa (22) and Tendai Mabvuu (40), all of Murepa Village under Chief Mutema’s area were convicted on their own guilty plea when they appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Alfred Chinembiri early this week.
The seven were convicted of partaking in a gathering that incited public violence and breached peace as defined in Section 37(1)(a)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
The court heard that on Monday, the seven villagers who were leading about 100 villagers stormed Bangwe Primary School, confronted and threatened the head, Mr Edward Chikwava, and the teacher-in-charge, Mrs Rumbidzai Masocha.
Prosecuting, Ms Chipo Matanga said the militant villagers accused Mr Chikwava and Mrs Masocha of initiating learners at the school into satanism.
“They proceeded to Mr Chikwava’s house and blocked the door and veranda with stones and logs,” said the Prosecutor.
After that, they proceeded to Mrs Masocha’s house where they blocked the doors with logs. They also put stones on the windows.
“The mob broke into song and dance, denouncing Mr Chikwava and Mrs Masocha,” said Ms Matanga.
The mob said learners were mysteriously fainting and dying at the school and waved placards.
At Mrs Masocha’s house, the mob attacked Mrs Masocha’s husband, Mr George Masocha, who was taking videos of the demonstrators.
One of the accused persons snatched Mr Masocha’s smartphone and smashed it to the ground, thereby damaging it in the process.
A report was made to the police, leading to the arrest of the seven villagers.
