Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer Amina Tepani Daudi has confirmed the development and said the incident occurred on 21 March 2025, at around mid-night at the school in Changamire 1 village, Traditional Authority Chimwala, Mangochi.

According to the school’s Headteacher John Chiwaula, 61, teachers conducted a hostel search, confiscating 10 cell phones that were being illegally used by students. This was a reinforcement of school regulations. The students were reminded about the importance of adhering to school rules, including the restriction on possessing and using cell phones during school days.

After this, all students returned to their hostels without protest. However, later that night, a group of Form three and Form two students vandalized classrooms, hostels, the library, dining hall, toilets, and breaking windows with stones. They also set ablaze the headteacher’s office and two staff rooms, destroying computers, printers, students’ certificates, and teaching materials. The library and storerooms were also ransacked.

Upon questioning, the students admitted that they acted out of anger over the confiscation of their mobile phones.

Police responded swiftly, and arrested the suspects. The total value of the damage is yet to be established. Meanwhile, all suspects are in police custody pending further directives and court proceedings.