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Sukoluhle Ndlovu Midlands Correspondent
A pupil at Hama High School in Mvuma lost a tooth, while her classmate was left with swollen private parts and two loose teeth after they were beaten by their Chemistry teacher for making noise during a study period. The teacher, Oliver Mutero, who resides at the same school, appeared before Mvuma resident magistrate, Mr Tayengwa Chibanda facing two counts of assault.

Mutero pleaded guilty to the two counts. There were attempts by parents of both children to withdraw the matter before plea, but the State refused, saying the assault on the pupils was serious and could not be condoned. Mutero was then sentenced to 24 months in prison of which 12 months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 420 hours of community service at Hama High School.

The agreed facts were that on October 29, at Hama High School around 7pm, the two complainants, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, were studying in a classroom with their classmates when Mutero entered and accused the whole class of making noise.

The court heard that Mutero started assaulting all the pupils in the classroom. He slapped one of the complainants twice on the cheek, resulting in her molar tooth falling out. Mutero went on to slap the second complainant, a boy, twice before pulling his private parts, which became swollen. The matter was reported to the police. Mr Michael Kazemba appeared for the State.