Harare — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that it has launched a full-scale investigation following the circulation of a disturbing video showing two male students assaulting a schoolgirl. The footage, which has sparked outrage across social media platforms, has prompted calls from the public for urgent action and justice.
In an official statement, the police said a dedicated investigative team had been deployed to ascertain the identities of the individuals involved, the location of the incident, and the circumstances that led to the attack. Authorities emphasised that the matter would be handled with the utmost seriousness given the sensitive nature of the case and the public reaction it has generated.
The video, which has been widely shared online, shows two boys in school uniforms physically attacking a female student, also in uniform, in what appears to be a secluded bushy area. During the assault, the attackers are heard referring to themselves as “mauto,” a term meaning “soldiers” in Shona, which has prompted questions about the motives behind the attack and whether it was premeditated.
The footage has caused significant concern among parents, educators, and civil society groups, who condemned the brutality and demanded that swift action be taken to apprehend the perpetrators. Many have also raised questions about the safety of school environments and the effectiveness of safeguarding measures within the education system.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Launch Probe After Viral Video Shows Schoolgirl Assault
On social media, outrage has been swift and widespread. Users have expressed shock and anger, with hashtags calling for justice trending on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Advocacy groups for children’s rights have also weighed in, calling for a thorough investigation and stronger preventive measures in schools to protect vulnerable learners.
“This is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Our children should be safe in schools. The authorities must act decisively to ensure that those responsible are brought to book and that such incidents never recur,” said a spokesperson for a local child protection NGO.
Police Response
Assistant Commissioner of Police Lucy Chigwenhese, in a statement issued by ZRP, confirmed the police’s awareness of the matter. She said: “We are aware of the video circulating on various social media platforms showing an alleged assault on a schoolgirl by two male learners. A team of investigators has been dispatched to carry out a full and thorough investigation into the incident. We will make further details available as the investigation progresses.”
The police reassured the public that the matter would be treated with priority and called for patience as they work to establish the facts. They also urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education expressed concern over the video and pledged to work with the police to address the situation. A spokesperson for the Ministry stated: “The safety and wellbeing of our learners are of utmost importance. We condemn all forms of violence in schools and will support the police in ensuring that justice is served. This incident will be examined thoroughly so that corrective measures can be implemented to prevent recurrence.”
Educators and school administrators have also called for enhanced monitoring and guidance for learners to curb violence and strengthen school discipline.
The incident has once again brought to light concerns about violence in schools, peer intimidation, and the role of social media in documenting and amplifying such cases. Experts warn that while the video’s circulation has helped highlight the incident, it also raises concerns about the potential for harm to victims who are exposed in such a public manner.
Child protection advocates are urging the government and education authorities to take a two-pronged approach: swift punitive action against perpetrators, and preventive strategies such as life skills education, awareness campaigns, and strengthening reporting mechanisms within schools.
As the investigation unfolds, the Zimbabwe Republic Police have promised to update the public on their findings. Meanwhile, communities and school authorities are urged to play their part in addressing violence among learners by fostering safe and nurturing environments.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to reinforce school safety policies, promote awareness of children’s rights, and implement effective measures to prevent violence in educational settings.
For many Zimbabweans, the video is not just a disturbing clip on social media — it is a call to action, a challenge to protect the nation’s children and to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth.
Source- Bulawayo24
