Three students at Mavhudzi High School in Nyazura, Zimbabwe, have been sentenced to 60 days in jail after pleading guilty to assaulting a younger pupil.
The trio appeared before Rusape Magistrates’ Court over an incident that occurred on October 24, 2025. The accused—Upper Sixth learners Tatenda Severa (20), Trevor Mushore (19), and Lawrence Chamunorwa (20)—attacked a 19-year-old Form Five student in a school dormitory around 8 p.m.
They were charged under Section 89(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23). Prosecutor Ms. Faith Mutukwa described the assault as unprovoked.
“On October 24, 2025, at about 8 p.m. at Mavhudzi High School, the three accused went to the complainant’s dormitory, where he was lying on his bed alongside other learners,” Ms. Mutukwa told the court. She added that a school prefect, also an Upper Sixth student, warned the Lower Sixth learners against disrespecting Upper Sixth students by pursuing romantic relationships with their classmates.
According to court proceedings, Severa grabbed the complainant’s leg and pulled him to the ground. When the victim tried to stand, Mushore slapped him repeatedly, while Severa restrained him, allowing Mushore to continue hitting him. Chamunorwa then joined in, kicking the victim multiple times on the head and back. Mushore also pushed the victim onto his bed, causing him to lose consciousness for around 20 minutes.
The victim suffered bruises on his face and head, headaches, and chest pains. A medical report was submitted as evidence.
The three accused were unrepresented in court and entered guilty pleas. Magistrate Mr. Tendai Mahwe fined each student US$300, with non-payment resulting in a 60-day jail term. In addition, each was given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for five years. This suspended sentence will only be enforced if they commit another violent offense within the five-year period.
The court noted that the students had no prior criminal records and expressed remorse. Mr. Mahwe emphasized that the sentence was intended to send a strong message that bullying and physical violence carry serious legal consequences.
