Protests Erupt Over School Head’s Dark Past: Mabvengwa Learners Stay Home

MANICALAND — Learning has come to a standstill at Mabvengwa Primary School after parents withdrew their children in protest against the appointment of Mrs Gowora as headmistress.

The boycott, now in its fifth day, has left all 460 pupils absent from class, with parents demanding her removal over allegations of satanism linked to her previous postings.

Mrs Gowora was reassigned to Mabvengwa after failed deployments to Nyamauru and Zamba Primary Schools in Mutare earlier this year.

In both cases, parents staged protests, accusing her of occult practices and forcing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to cancel her transfers.

Her arrival in Marange reignited tensions, prompting a silent protest as parents kept their children at home.

The unrest began on September 25 when Mrs Gowora was formally introduced to parents at the school.

Coincidentally, a funeral was taking place nearby, and mourners from Sakubva recognized her from viral videos linked to earlier demonstrations.

Word spread quickly, and villagers gathered at the school in protest.

Mrs Gowora left the premises that day.

She returned on October 6 to assume her duties, this time accompanied by armed police officers.

Her presence triggered panic among villagers, many of whom fled the scene.

Two elderly women who could not escape were arrested and spent the night in police custody.

Tensions escalated further when a pupil allegedly manifested and claimed to be a satanist with snakes — an incident parents interpreted as spiritual initiation.

Mrs Gowora reportedly collected her belongings and left the school for safety.

She has not returned since.

Teachers continue reporting for duty, but classrooms remain empty.

“We actually miss our learners, but we are Government employees and cannot go against the ministry directive.

“She was appointed as the school head, and so we just await what happens next,” said one teacher, speaking anonymously.

The timing of the boycott has disrupted learning for most classes, with end-of-year exams drawing near..

However, Grade 7 learners had already completed their final examinations before the protests began.

“Luckily, our Grade 7 learners finished writing their exams before this started.

“Otherwise, it would have been terrible,” the teacher added.

Manicaland Provincial Education Director Mr Richard Gabaza confirmed Mrs Gowora’s appointment and defended the ministry’s stance.

“It was resolved that the school head must be protected and allowed to continue with her duties, as no one is above the law,” he said.

He emphasized that the national Constitution criminalizes accusations of witchcraft, making such claims legally offensive.

However, when The Manica Post informed Mr Gabaza that the school was empty, he appeared unaware.

“That is news to me. My understanding was that the matter had been resolved.

“I will contact the District Schools Inspector to verify the current situation on the ground and will revert,” he said.

Meanwhile, community leaders say the boycott is not just about fear, but about trust.

“Parents are so angry. They are not putting anything in writing because they fear victimisation, but they have pulled their children out of school,” said Headman Mabvengwa.

Parents remain firm in their stance.

“We have read about her record before. We know what happened at Zamba and Nyamauru schools.

“We do not want her here. Until she is replaced, our children will stay at home,” said Mr Lovemore Chikide.

Mrs Tatenda Dube, another parent, said they are prepared to transfer their children to Makunika Primary School, over five kilometers away.

“We would rather have our children stay at home for the remainder of this term. If she is not transferred, then next term they will go to Makunika,” she said.

The school has now gone a full week without learners, and no resolution is in sight.

Earlier this year, similar protests at Zamba Primary saw parents storming the school with placards reading “Witch must go now” and “No to satanism here,” leading to the cancellation of Mrs Gowora’s transfer.

The situation at Mabvengwa reflects deep-rooted mistrust between communities and education authorities and a growing demand for transparency in school leadership appointments.