Headteacher assaulted by angry community in Malawi

An angry community in Thunye village, Senior Chief Malemia area of Nsanje, Malawi, assaulted the headteacher of Mkanga Primary School, Iswell Nyamithambo, on Tuesday night, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

Malawi-An angry community in Thunye village, Senior Chief Malemia area of Nsanje, Malawi, assaulted the headteacher of Mkanga Primary School, Iswell Nyamithambo, on Tuesday night, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

The incident occurred after he was allegedly found in possession of five bags of soy flour meant for the learners at the institution.

When contacted, Nyamithambo confirmed the development but was quick to say that he did not take the alleged number of bags.

According to villager Dickson Binzi, people have been suspicious of the headteacher's misuse of the materials meant for the learners.

"People in the area mobilized themselves and plotted to catch him, which did occur, and the headteacher was severely beaten before being taken to the village headman," he alleged.

Mchere Education Zone Primary Education Advisor (PEA), Maxwell Mkuziwaduka, confirmed the development and said that the headteacher was found with bags of flour.

He also reported that the matter was reported to Mary's Meal officials, who supply the flour to the school.

The Mary's Meal official went to Mkanga Primary School for discussions on the matter with the headteacher, the School Management Committee (SMC), the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), and the traditional leaders, where it was concluded to suspend the supplies of the flour with immediate effect.

When contacted, Iswell Nyamithambo confirmed the development but was quick to say that he did not take the alleged number of bags.

"I had a small portion of soya for my consumption at home, which they found, even though it is against Mary's Meals policy," he said.

The headteacher alleged that an official from Mary's Meals had checked the records and found that they were intact.

Nyamithambo said he has asked for an immediate transfer from the school.

Nsanje District Chief Education, Youth, and Sports Officer MacShadis Dakamau said his office has not received any reports from the area.

"Let me find out, and I will come back to you," he said.