Blow for high school as science and maths teacher is killed during robbery

Benson Ntlemo

The high riding Shimunwana High school at Phaphazela in Malamulele West in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality has suffered a huge blow following the murder of the school’s mathematics and  science teacher during robbery in the residence he and other people he was staying in.

Shadrack Marebedze, 52, from Gweru in Zimbabwe died at Malamulele Hospital after he was rushed there in the early hours of Saturday following an attack in the residence by a group of armed men who allegedly invaded the residents and robbed them of different items such as money and cell phones.

His brother Ronald Marebedze also a teacher at the school confirmed his brother’s death.

“He was allegedly hit with an object on the head and suffered injuries that led to his death in hospital. He was robbed of a TV and an unknown amount of money during the incident,” said his brother.

The later teacher is survived by his wife and 5 children who are in Zimbabwe.

Ronald Marebedze said the death of his brother in that way is very painful to him.

“We are awaiting the results of the postmortem but we have made applications to the home affairs department to have the body transported to Zimbabwe for burial,” he said.

“Although my brother has been in the country for many years, he was here on contract which was being renewed every year so there is nothing for him,” said Ronald.

He said he felt pity for his children.

The chairperson of the school governing body at the school Norah Hlayisani Nkuna said the death of the teacher was a blow to the school.

“AS he taught mathematics and science he was a pillar of our school. We wonder if the government will be able to give us a replacement in time because the last time we were looking for a maths teacher it took long before we got him almost two years ago,” she said.

She offered condolences to the family and said the whole school community was in deep mourning.

This is a developing story as The Village Voice is awaiting a comment from the police and the department