Zimbabwe – The deputy headmaster of Chemhanza High School in Hwedza has been arrested over allegations of brutally assaulting 23 pupils, the police have confirmed the development.

Over the past few days, images of bruised young teenage girls circulated on social media bringing up widespread indignation and condemnation from concerned parents and individuals.

The publication established from The Herald that 52-year-old Tarirai Mararike was arrested after 23 pupils filed a police report regarding the alleged assault, he is expected to appear in court this week.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest saying:

Police have picked a suspect in connection with the assault of learners at Chemhanza High School.

Twenty-three pupils who are alleged to have been assaulted made a police report and by yesterday (Tuesday) police had picked up the school’s deputy head.

Asst Comm Nyathi said on the 16th of January the school matron ordered one of the girls to go to Marimbike’s office where she was reportedly beaten up.

Reports are that she was beaten on her back and a science laboratory pipe was used.

The pupil told her mother about it, and the mother made a police report.

On January 18, 22 other pupils made a police report against the suspect. We are currently investigating the incident, he said 

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has since condemned the illegal and inhuman assault on the teenage girls.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is concerned about the assault of pupils at Chemhanza High School allegedly by school authorities and strongly condemns such inhumane disciplinary measures on our learners in a complete violation of Section 68A (5) of the Education Act as per Education Amendment Act of 2020, said Mr Taungana Ndoro the Ministry’s spokesperson.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the 23 girls were beaten up for making noise during examination time while another version suggests that the girls were caught behaving mischievously.