Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. By Mary Taruvinga – TALENT Chingwaru, a mathematics teacher at the Harare Einstein Tuition Centre, has been caged for three years for assaulting a student at his school.
However, Chingwaru escaped a custodial sentence after Harare Magistrate Judith Taruvinga suspended 18 months on condition of good behaviour.
Another 18 months were suspended on the condition he performs 630 hours of community service at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
In mitigation, Chingwaru told the court through his lawyer Joshua Chirambwe that he is an engineer and an unqualified Maths teacher.
In her ruling, Taruvinga said Chingwaru had shown remorse, and that he was a first offender, hence the court had to give him a second chance to reform.
However, Taruvinga said the accused should be also punished so that he can control his anger issues.
“You are a first offender, you did not waste the court’s time. You are remorseful. The court also found in aggravation that it’s unfortunate that the complainant did not sustain any visible injuries, but you must face the consequences of your anger,” Taruvinga said.
“Your case had attracted bad publicity. But you have been in custody from Thursday until today and the court will give you another chance. ”
Magistrate Taruvinga said corporal punishment was outlawed and children must be protected against any form of violence.
Chingwaru told the court he had a toothache during the time of the assault, and the tooth was irritating him.
According to the state on October 14, Chingwaru assaulted an 18-year-old student, who later made a report at the Harare Central Police Station.
Court papers show the Lower Sixth student was found in an “O” Level classroom watching movies during lesson time and he was ordered by Chingwaru to go back to his class.
Instead, the student went to a biology classroom where he coincidentally met the same teacher. A harsh exchange of words ensued, resulting in the teacher assaulting the learner.
