Blessing Nduku
Bambanani Primary School in Lower Gweru has been forced to shut down after a group of illegal gold miners, commonly known as amakorokoza, invaded the premises, raising serious safety and security concerns.
This has forced the school to temporarily shut its doors as teachers and learners feared for their lives.
The gang of seven, mainly illegal gold miners from the surrounding area, took siege of the school on Monday afternoon.
Reports suggest that the seven men were looking for one of the teachers at the nearby secondary school.
Armed with machetes, knives, and clubs, the men reportedly threatened to mete out violence to anyone who dared to resist their moves.
A source close to the ongoing chronicled the events of Monday afternoon, forcing lessons to be suspended.
“The men arrived at the school on Monday afternoon, looking for one of the teachers from the secondary school.”
“They were armed with weapons, threatening to beat up the teachers if they did not reveal the whereabouts of the male teacher. This forced most of the staff to go into hiding in fear for their lives. Other teachers managed to escape while the rest locked themselves in their houses.”
“Some of the staff have not returned to the school since then in fear because this area is known for these kinds of violent incidents.”
Some learners were sent back home on Tuesday and Wednesday, as there was no one to attend to them.
However, normalcy appeared to have returned to the school following the intervention of ward 19 councilor Nkosana Sibanda.
He assured the parents and teachers that their safety would be guaranteed during a meeting held on Wednesday.
The ZRP was also engaged to visit the school next week and dialogue with the local community and the leadership.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education could not be reached for comment as Gweru District Schools Inspector Trynos Mahlokozera’s phone was unreachable.
Local authorities have since been alerted, with community leaders calling for urgent intervention to ensure the safety of learners and restore normalcy.
As investigations and security assessments continue, parents and stakeholders are urging stronger enforcement against illegal mining activities near public institutions to prevent future disruptions.
