Chiputula Primary School Head Teacher Summoned for Questioning, Students Protest Alleged Conspiracy to Transfer Teacher

The learners were chanting songs against the summoning of Msonda, claiming that Mkandawire allegedly conspired with block leaders to have their head teacher transferred to another school.

Some learners at peeping through Mzuzu Police Station wire fence

Malawi: Irate learners from Chiputula Primary School in Mzuzu City camped around Mzuzu Police Station on Tuesday afternoon, in solidarity with their head teacher, Ollens Msonda, who was taken in for questioning at the station, write Tawonga Moyo & Blessings Kaunda, MANA.

Msonda was summoned by the police following a misunderstanding between the school and the councillor for Chiputula Ward, Hewett Mkandawire.

Msonda was later released.

The learners were chanting songs against the summoning of Msonda, claiming that Mkandawire allegedly conspired with block leaders to have their head teacher transferred to another school.

"As a school, we first consulted our block leaders on what Mkandawire was doing. He was threatening me and members of staff. They conducted secret meetings in order to have me posted away,” said Msonda, in an interview.

One of the learners, Josephine Chavula, said that the ongoing fracas has greatly affected their studies as classes came to a halt on Friday last week when the school was temporarily closed.

“We have not been learning since Friday last week. This is infringing on our right to education. We want to resume our classes as soon as possible. That is why we have camped here,” said Chavula.

Mkandawire, however, denied Msonda's claims and said that students destroyed his house upon instruction from Msonda.

“I called the police when the situation got out of hand. Police then picked up the head teacher for questioning and later the learners decided to camp at the police station. I am currently consulting my lawyers and we intend to take this matter to court,” said Mkandawire.

Teachers at the school have decided to abstain from teaching until the matter is resolved.