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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has suspended a headmaster at Jibajiba Secondary in Matabeleland North’s Lupane for allegedly impregnating a pupil and having sexual relations with seven others learners.

Mr Blessed Makhiwa was suspended on Thursday following an investigation by the Ministry following coverage of his alleged sexual abuse of pupils by the Chronicle on Monday.

The acting deputy provincial education director for Matabeleland North Mrs Beatrice Manjere said Mr Makhiwa was suspended to pave way for a full investigation into the matter.

“We have followed up on his case and he has been suspended with immediate effect. He has been charged with an improper association with pupils. The suspension is meant to ensure that he does not interfere with the investigations,” said Mrs Manjere.

She said no criminal investigation has been launched and it’s up to the parents of the alleged abused children to file a police report.

The headmaster is alleged to have impregnated a Form Four pupil at the school and sexually abused seven other children.

His case emerged two weeks ago after he excluded seven pupils from the school’s makeshift boarding school.

The expelled pupils revealed the headmaster was having illicit relations with pupils.

The area’s village head only identified as Mr Ndlovu said the community was elated by the Ministry’s decision to suspend Makhiwa.

“We’re happy that the Ministry has taken action against him. His presence was infuriating the community and villagers could have meted out mob justice against him. He was bragging that he is untouchable as he is a Zanu-PF member. But we are happy that the Ministry has removed him from the community. No child abuse case should go unpunished,” said Mr Ndlovu.

He said villagers were now contemplating reporting the matter to the police so that he can be charged for sexual abuse of children. — @nqotshili