By Peter Matambanadzo
A school headmaster at Gwindingwi Primary School in Manicaland province was severely assaulted by a senior teacher with an axe handle following a dispute over incentives. The amount involved was not disclosed.
Victor Maravanyika, a senior teacher at the school, has since appeared before Rusape senior magistrate Ms Sekai Chiundura on charges of assaulting headmaster Mr Regis Makova. Maravanyika had pleaded not guilty, but was convicted of contravening a section of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act after a full trial.
Ms Chifamba fined Maravanyika US$150 or 30 days in jail, but suspended two months on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. Prosecutor Mr Gift Chokodza said sometime last year an argument arose between Maravanyika and Mr Makova over grievances on incentives and other issues affecting teachers and staff at the primary school.
A meeting was later convened in Mr Makova’s office, which was attended by two other teachers. During the meeting, the court heard, Maravanyika pounced on the unsuspecting headmaster and assaulted him with an axe handle. As a result of the assault Mr Makova sustained injuries all over his body.
A report was made to police and led to the arrest of Maravanyika. Incentives were introduced in 2009 following an increase in the number of teachers and other civil servants who were quitting their jobs in search of greener pastures in neighbouring countries at the height of the country’s economic woes.
