Masvingo Chief Blocks School Opening, Demands Free Education

MASVINGO – A controversial traditional leader on Sunday blocked parents from dropping off their children at a newly established ⁣boarding⁤ school in Masvingo, allegedly after the institution refused to enrol his children free of charge.

Ephias‌ Munodawafa, the current Chief Murinye, parked his government-issued Isuzu vehicle, which had no number plates, across the road leading to Riverton Academy Extension, causing kilometre-long traffic queues on both sides.

Parents had been travelling to the school to drop off pupils for the opening of the first school term.

Witnesses said‌ Munodawafa ordered parents to take​ their children back home,​ insisting that the school would not open⁤ as⁤ scheduled because its owner, Philimon Mutangiri, had failed to seek his permission to build.