Parents in Mutoko, a ZANU PF stronghold, stormed Chimoyo Primary School and ordered teachers to leave the school’s premises within 24 hours. The group of parents accused the teachers of participating in the nationwide protests.
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe Mashonaland East chapter co-ordinator Tapiwa Chengeta revealed that he had received a report from two of the affected teachers from the school. He said:
I confirm of the incident that occurred at Chimoyo Primary School in Mutoko East, where I received a report from our members to the effect that some parents have ordered them to leave the school because they allegedly participated in the stay away.
A group of people besieged the school on Monday, with the intention to harass teachers. They are also saying the teachers have overstayed and that they should go.
Mutoko district schools inspector (DSI) Hayiwanziwe Katuka confirmed receiving a report from the school authorities. He said:
I confirm that something of that nature happened (parents besieging the school) and I have already alerted other relevant authorities. We are set to have a meeting with stakeholders over the issue.
A teacher who spoke to Newsday said that teachers dismissed pupils early because a heavy storm was brewing in the area. However, the concerned parents thought that the teachers were joining the nationwide stay away, resulting in the incident.
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