High school bullies jailed 60 days for beating younger pupil over romantic relationship

High school bullies jailed 60 days for beating younger pupil over romantic relationship

Three students have been sentenced to 60 days in jail after admitting to assaulting a younger pupil at Mavhudzi High School in Nyazura, Zimbabwe. 

The trio appeared before the Rusape Magistrates’ Court, where they pleaded guilty to assault stemming from an incident that occurred on October 24, 2025. According to court proceedings, the three Upper Sixth learners, Tatenda Severa (20), Trevor Mushore (19) and Lawrence Chamunorwa (20), attacked a 19-year-old Form Five pupil inside a school dormitory at around 8pm.

The accused were charged under Section 89 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23). Prosecutor Ms Faith Mutukwa told the court that the assault was unprovoked.

“On October 24, 2025 at around 8pm, at Mavhudzi High School in Nyazura, the three accused persons went to the complainant’s dormitory, where they found him lying on his bed, with other learners present,” she said.

She further stated: “A school prefect, who was an Upper Sixth learner, also entered the dormitory, and warned the Lower Sixth learners to desist from disrespecting the Upper Sixth boys by having romantic relationships with Upper Sixth girls.” The court heard that Severa allegedly grabbed the complainant’s leg and pulled him to the ground.

“The complainant stood up, and Mushore slapped him several times with open hands on the face. The complainant tried to cover his face, but Severa uncovered him, giving Mushore more opportunity to strike him with fists all over his body,” Ms Mutukwa told the court.

She added: “Chamunorwa joined in and kicked the complainant several times on the head and back. Mushore used his feet to push the complainant onto his bed, and the complainant fell unconscious for about 20 minutes.”

The victim sustained facial and head bruises, headaches and chest pains. A medical report was prepared and was available for submission as evidence. The case was heard by magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe. The three accused were not legally represented and entered guilty pleas.

In sentencing, Mr Mahwe ordered each of them to pay a fine of US$300. Failure to pay the fine will result in each serving 60 days in prison. The court also imposed an additional three-month prison term for each of the accused, wholly suspended for five years.

This means they will not serve the three months unless they are convicted of another violent offence within the five-year suspension period, in which case the custodial sentence may be activated.

The court noted that the students had no previous criminal records and had shown remorse during proceedings. Mr Mahwe said the sentence was intended to send a clear message that bullying and physical aggression carry serious legal consequences.