By Staff Reporter
THE family of a four-year-old Early Childhood Development (ECD-A) learner from Chiredzi is demanding answers following her death under circumstances that remain unclear, raising renewed concerns about learner safety and school supervision.
Steadfast Makondo was reportedly last seen on Tuesday while returning home from school. Her death has left her family devastated and the community questioning the systems meant to protect young learners, particularly those in ECD.
Speaking to ZBC News, the child’s parents, Mr Travor Makondo and Ms Khongelani Livombo, said they were still struggling to comprehend how their daughter went missing without an immediate response from school authorities.
“I tried to look for my child, hoping she would be found safe, but I was shocked when I was informed that she had been found dead. What pains me most is that the school authorities seemed unbothered about her disappearance, even though it happened while she was at school,” said Livombo.
Mr Travor Makondo added, “It is very hard to accept this news. I had high hopes for my child, who seemed bright at school.”
Steadfast’s aunt, Precious Livombo, expressed her grief over the loss of a child with so much potential. “When I saw her body, I couldn’t bear it. It was so painful to see a once vibrant child lying lifeless. I fear she was murdered and simply dumped there,” she said.
The school transporter, Mr Lovemore Muchono, explained that he had dropped Steadfast at school on Tuesday morning and immediately raised the alarm when he noticed she was missing. “I collect four children around that time, and when I arrived at the school only three were there. I asked a colleague to help drop off the three while I stayed to look for Steadfast, but I could not find her,” he said.
The incident has left the Chiredzi community deeply shaken, with many parents questioning the safety of children in schools.
“We are now troubled as parents. Are our children even safe at school? If children can just disappear or if anyone can take a child without being questioned, then they are not safe,” said one resident.
Another resident added, “It leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to the safety of children at school. If they can just be left to do as they want without authorities questioning, where is the security?”
A third resident noted, “This incident is a wake-up call for all of us. Was there no security guard at the gate? Who monitors the movements of children while at school?”
The tragedy has sparked a national debate on the safety of learners, including the policies governing ECD learners, school transporters, and the handover of children in school.
Addressing the issue, Mr Patrick Zumbo, Deputy Director for Communications and Advocacy at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, said, “As a Ministry, the safety of our learners is our greatest concern. Teaching and non-teaching staff are responsible for children while at school. There must be a proper handover and takeover of ECD learners.”
The Makondo family is placing their hope in the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice.
In a separate but related tragedy, a Zaka community is seeking answers following the alleged murder of two learners from Dekeza Primary School by a relative.
The children were reportedly taken from school to Gondora Mountain, where the suspect allegedly killed them.
The alleged perpetrator is reportedly in police custody, with authorities yet to officially confirm the incident.
Credit- ZBC
