Tendai Gukutikwa-Mutare Bureau
A FORM One learner at Mushunje High School in Marange is facing murder allegations following the death of a fellow pupil after a classroom altercation.
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The juveline, who cannot be named, appeared at the Mutare Magistrates Court.
He appeared before provincial magistrate, Poterai Gwezhira, on Saturday, where he was advised of the charge before the matter was deferred to July 23, for routine remand.
The accused was released into the custody of his father, who was ordered by the court to ensure that he attends all future court appearances.
Prosecutor Tavonga Mawire told the court that the fatal incident occurred on July 9 at Mushunje High School during normal lessons.
“It is the State’s case that on July 9, 2026, at around 12 noon, both the accused and the now deceased, who were Form One learners at Mushunje High School, were attending lessons in the same classroom.
“There were 42 pupils in the classroom when a misunderstanding arose between the two learners.
“The exchange quickly escalated into insults,” said Mawire. He claims the now deceased stood up and slapped the accused once.
“The State alleges that after being slapped, the accused reacted by striking the now deceased once in the face with a clenched fist.
“As a result of that blow, the now deceased lost balance and hit a classroom desk before falling to the ground, landing face down,” he said.
According to the prosecution, teachers and fellow pupils rushed to assist the learner after he collapsed before he was taken for medical attention.
“The now deceased was transported to Mushunje Clinic for treatment but he was pronounced dead upon arrival,” Mawire told the court.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Marange community, with the case highlighting the devastating consequences that can arise from seemingly minor disagreements among schoolchildren.
The State is expected to lead evidence from witnesses who were allegedly present in the class when the incident occurred.
