THE Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture has deployed a team to investigate numerous claims of Satanism at several schools countrywide.
BY JENNIFER DUBE
Education minister, David Coltart said claims of Satanism were disturbing smooth learning in several schools across the country. In some cases, parents had to transfer their children from the affected schools fearing the stigmatisation associated with the practice.
“I have ordered this morning the acting permanent secretary Mr [Chrispen] Bowora to investigate the Hatcliffe incident,” Coltart said. “We need to understand who is promoting this.
“People who are promoting these practices will be subjected to severe disciplinary measures.”
Hundreds of people last week besieged Hatcliffe 1 Primary School in Harare where two Grade 5 pupils reportedly grew canine teeth and fur after being given rings and bracelets by their class teacher. The teacher is alleged to be a staunch member of a Pentecostal church, popular for performing “miracles”.
Earlier in the week, parents of a pupil from Nhowe Mission in Mashonaland East province withdrew their child from the school following allegations that she had her throat mysteriously slashed at night.
Several of her dorm mates reportedly woke up in blood-stained blankets.
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It was also recently reported that a stranger turned into a snake and entered the body of a Kuwadzana 6 Primary School pupil through the mouth after the boy had allegedly picked a R2 coin.
Scores of people thronged Yamuranai Primary School in Mufakose in March last year following allegations that a Grade 2 pupil regularly changed into a snake after being initiated into Satanism by an unidentified Budiriro woman.
Parents and teachers’ organisations last week said they were disturbed by the increase in the number of Satanism claims.
“The government should put a stop to this nonsense as it is disturbing children’s education,” said one parent, Liznet Katsidzira. “Our children are no longer safe at these schools.
“Government should ask prophets to cleanse schools countrywide.” Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) chief executive officer, Sifiso Ndlovu said religious leaders should be called in to flush out the perpetrators of such ungodly practices.
“We should not be in a state of denial when such things which we do not understand happen,” Ndlovu said. “Authorities should consult people who understand the spiritual realm including Christians, traditional healers and spirit mediums.
He said there was need to give psychotherapy to the victims, especially the children, so that they are not affected in their studies by such strange happenings.
