The Sunday News
Whinsley Masara, Sunday News Correspondent
A TEACHER in Binga who allegedly impregnated a pupil, in a reportedly long time sexual relationship, has torched a storm between the headmaster and the District Schools Inspector who are now allegedly fighting over his suspension from duty.
Fidelis Zivevekwa was immediately suspended last month by the headmaster, Mr Amon Mudenda from Lubimbi High School when the matter came to light. However, Binga School Inspector Mr Edson Masungo has told the teacher to go back to work in what villagers allege is a cover up. The pupil wrote her O-level exams when she was already pregnant, sources alleged.
A source close to investigations said Mr Masungo recalled him to report back to work pending investigations.
“The headmaster had suspended Zivevekwa for allegedly impregnating a pupil at the school. Mr Masungo has since nullified the suspension, having recalled the teacher back to work,” said the source.
Mr Masungo confirmed having received a report of a teacher who impregnated a pupil, saying investigations were underway.
“I can confirm we have a case at Lubimbi High School where a teacher is alleged to have had been in a sexual relationship with a pupil. The girl has since fallen pregnant although the teacher denies the allegations. The matter was, however, only brought to the district office after the headmaster had taken steps of suspending the teacher. This is not a case of covering up or favouritism but proper procedures need to be followed, hence, the headmaster was supposed to report the matter to my office, investigations be made by both us and him before deciding on the teacher’s fate,” he said.
Mr Masungo said he had recalled the teacher back to work and requested that the headmaster brings a report to his office and then investigations would start.
“I have not said he didn’t commit the crime, neither have I said that he shouldn’t be charged, all I have simply requested is that the whole process be started all over, with the proper ministry’s regulations being followed. A teacher can’t be suspended without the district and the ministry’s knowledge.”
A source that preferred anonymity said it is alleged that the teacher had an affair with the pupil for a long time until she got pregnant.
“When Mr Mudenda investigated the matter, the pupil, in a written report, admitted to having been in a sexual relationship with the teacher and further indicated that she was indeed pregnant. The headmaster personally took the letter to Mr Masungo and the two discussed the matter. The headmaster indicated that the teacher should be suspended pending investigations but Mr Masungo objected. Instead Mr Masungo ordered the headmaster to take back the letter to school and try to negotiate with the parents of the child and the child to have the matter resolved at school level to protect the teacher’s job,” said the source.-@winnie_masara
