Fee Hike Sparks Witch Hunt—Parents Vow to Make School Head ‘Disappear’

ZAKA – Tensions are running high at Musenyereki Primary School in Zaka, where parents have threatened headmistress Madam Mureyi with legal action or witchcraft over a controversial fee hike.

A leaked audio recording reveals deep frustrations among parents regarding school administration and financial accountability.

In the recording, a parent identified as Baba Maka from Banduki Village expresses outrage, questioning the necessity of the fee increase and warning Mureyi of serious consequences if their concerns are ignored.

He claims the fee hike has disrupted their daily lives and vows to take legal action, but also issues a chilling ultimatum—if legal means fail, supernatural intervention will be used to remove her.

Reports indicate that tensions escalated after Mureyi confined learners from ECD to Grade Seven who had not paid fees to a single classroom for an entire day, fearing government penalties for sending them home.

Parents argue that this move was unreasonable and have since called for her transfer, citing strained relations between the administration and the community.

Zaka District Schools Inspector Samson Chidzurira confirmed awareness of the issues at the school but stated that a full report was still pending.

Sources familiar with the matter say that parents initially agreed to raise fees from US$30 to US$40, with the additional US$10 designated for a computer levy, a security guard, and a feeding program.

However, Mureyi allegedly failed to provide clear financial records regarding the computer levy during the Annual General Meeting, further aggravating parents.

According to TellZim News, sources claim that Mureyi’s leadership style is a key factor in the unrest.

Critics argue that her rigid approach to administration, often citing statutes unfamiliar to the rural community, has alienated parents.

Some accuse her of running the school like a personal enterprise, frustrating teachers and leading to frequent staff transfers.

One parent has openly called for her removal, stating, “She needs to convince parents rather than impose decisions. If she cannot do that, she should transfer, because working in a hostile environment is difficult.”

With tensions at an all-time high, the future of Musenyereki Primary School remains uncertain, as parents and administrators struggle to find common ground before the situation spirals further out of control.