By Ziyah News Reporter
Hwedza — The education of more than 300 learners at Elizzy and Dyllan Primary and Secondary Schools hangs in the balance after a bitter dispute between the school’s co-founders spilled into the courts, resulting in an order to suspend all operations.
The Marondera Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Tamara Chibindi, granted an interdict halting activities at the school premises on Bita Farm. The ruling will remain in effect pending the outcome of a High Court eviction case (HCH 1862/25), scheduled for hearing on September 11.
The immediate closure has sparked panic among parents, guardians, and educators, who fear the disruption could irreparably harm students’ academic progress. The school, which had become a source of community pride with one of the highest O-Level pass rates in the district and recent victories in zonal athletics competitions, now lies deserted.
Outraged stakeholders have petitioned the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, demanding government intervention to reclaim the school premises and ensure classes resume without further delay. Parents argue that the closure violates the children’s constitutional right to education, calling it a social injustice inflicted on innocent learners.
The conflict stems from a fallout between the school’s former business and romantic partners, Janet Dapi and Watson Mirio Magwenzi. Dapi alleges that Magwenzi exploited political connections and family ties to unlawfully wrest control of the farm lease on which the school stands.
She further accuses Headman Munzverengi, who is said to be Magwenzi’s cousin, of demanding a bribe including a house in Harare in exchange for his support. Dapi claims the traditional leader also made misogynistic remarks, allegedly telling her she could not win “as a woman.”
The explosive allegations have added layers of gender bias, corruption, and abuse of traditional authority to the dispute, leaving the fate of the school and its pupils entangled in a complex legal and social battle.
As the September High Court hearing approaches, the community remains in suspense, anxiously waiting to see whether learners will return to their classrooms or remain casualties of a feud that has spiraled far beyond personal differences.