Zimbabwe High School Bullies Sentenced to Jail for Assaulting Younger Pupil
Three students from Mavhudzi High School in Nyazura, Zimbabwe, have been handed a 60-day jail sentence after admitting to assaulting a younger pupil in a case that highlights the serious legal consequences of bullying. The trio appeared before the Rusape Magistrates’ Court, where they pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an incident that occurred on October 24, 2025.
Court Proceedings Reveal Details of the Assault
According to court proceedings, the three Upper Sixth learners—Tatenda Severa (20), Trevor Mushore (19), and Lawrence Chamunorwa (20)—attacked a 19-year-old Form Five pupil inside a school dormitory at around 8 p.m. The accused were charged under Section 89 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
Prosecutor Ms. Faith Mutukwa informed the court that the assault was unprovoked. “On October 24, 2025, at around 8 p.m., at Mavhudzi High School in Nyazura, the three accused persons went to the complainant’s dormitory, where they found him lying on his bed, with other learners present,” she stated.
She further explained that a school prefect, who was also an Upper Sixth learner, entered the dormitory and warned the Lower Sixth learners to stop disrespecting the Upper Sixth boys by having romantic relationships with Upper Sixth girls. This warning preceded the violent attack.
Violent Attack Described in Court
Ms. Mutukwa detailed the assault: “Severa allegedly grabbed the complainant’s leg and pulled him to the ground. The complainant stood up, and Mushore slapped him several times with open hands on the face. The complainant tried to cover his face, but Severa uncovered him, giving Mushore more opportunity to strike him with fists all over his body.”
She added that Chamunorwa joined in and kicked the complainant several times on the head and back. Mushore then used his feet to push the complainant onto his bed, causing the victim to fall unconscious for approximately 20 minutes.
The victim sustained facial and head bruises, headaches, and chest pains. A medical report was prepared and submitted as evidence in the case, which was heard by magistrate Mr. Tendai Mahwe. The three accused were not legally represented and entered guilty pleas.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
In sentencing, Mr. Mahwe ordered each of the students to pay a fine of US$300. Failure to pay the fine will result in each serving 60 days in prison. Additionally, the court imposed an extra three-month prison term for each accused, wholly suspended for five years.
This means they will not serve the three months unless they are convicted of another violent offence within the five-year suspension period, in which case the custodial sentence may be activated. The court noted that the students had no previous criminal records and had shown remorse during the proceedings.
Mr. Mahwe emphasized that the sentence was intended to send a clear message that bullying and physical aggression carry serious legal consequences, underscoring the importance of maintaining discipline and safety in educational environments.
