Woman Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting 16-Year-Old Chigodora High School Learner

By Southerton Business Times Reporter

MUTARE — A 16-year-old Form Three learner at St Werburgh’s High School in Chigodora was left severely injured and unable to walk independently after she was allegedly assaulted by the mother of a primary school pupil in a feud over reported bullying.

The incident occurred as the teenager was walking home from school. The suspect, identified as Plaxedes Muchena of Chigodora, allegedly confronted the learner, accusing her of participating in an earlier assault on her young daughter.

Severe Injuries and Hospital Referral

The victim's father, Blessing Chifamba, confirmed that the extent of his daughter's injuries required an urgent referral to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for specialist medical treatment.

“My daughter was attacked while on her way home from school. The woman accused her of beating her child,” Chifamba stated. “She sustained serious injuries and had to be referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. She is now recovering at home.” Chifamba highlighted the debilitating impact of the assault on his daughter's education and basic mobility, noting that she missed her mid-term examinations.

“She is using walking sticks to move around and cannot do simple tasks on her own. She even needs assistance to eat,” he added. “She also failed to sit for her mid-term examinations because of her condition.”

When questioned regarding the incident, Muchena acknowledged confronting the teenager, explaining that she acted in response to her daughter returning home with visible marks of violence.

“My child came home with visible assault marks and told me secondary school girls had beaten her,” Muchena claimed. “I followed up the matter, but the girl became aggressive and wanted to attack me. I slapped her on the hands, and she fell. The matter is now before the courts.”

Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the report and verified that Muchena had been taken into custody. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the severe legal and physical consequences of vigilante actions.

"We appeal to members of the public to seek peaceful and lawful ways of resolving disputes instead of resorting to violence, which can result in serious injuries and criminal charges," Chinyoka stated.

The matter is currently pending before the courts.

St Werburghs High School assault Chigodora