By Christopher Makaza
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) secretary-general Robson Chere on Friday admitted before a 6 member Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education disciplinary committee, charges of assaulting a school security officer on 16 January 2019.
Chere, a science teacher at Acturus Mine High School was facing charges of indecorous behaviour after he assaulted Patrick Rukawu who was at work manning the mine gate accusing him of not joining a national ‘shutdown’ against price hikes.
Although Chere`s hearing was being conducted indoors at the school, it was briefly interrupted by MDC activists who were singing obscene songs, chanting slogans and dancing in solidarity with Chere. About 20 police details had to intervene, displacing the crowd.
In February, Chere represented by his lawyer Douglas Coltart who is also ARTUZ board member appeared before Goromonzi magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka, over the same issue and was sentenced a 30-day jail term with an option of paying $100 fine.
According to court papers, on January 16, at around 3pm, Chere and his accomplices went to TN Gold Arcturus Mine main gate.
On arrival at the gate, the three questioned why the security guards manning the gate were at work when the country was on a ‘shutdown’. The trio threatened to bring a truckload of people to assault all those who were working at the mine.
An argument ensued which resulted in Chere assaulting Rukawu.
Meanwhile parents with children who learn at Arcturus Mine High school expressed displeasure over Chere`s conduct and his continued absenteeism from school arguing that it was negatively affecting their children`s performance especially those in exam classes.
“We plead with the government to intervene on this serious issue. Our children are suffering because of Chere is mixing politics and work. This is not acceptable. He should choose what he exactly wants between work and activism. Chere should be a role model to our children. What will they learn from a violent and drunkard teacher like him?” questioned one parent Mrs Fiona Muzanenhamo.
“Government could be prejudiced millions of dollars per year through unsanctioned and undocumented absenteeism from workstations by people like Chere,” she added.
Chere has not been reporting for duty for several months disadvantaging learners.
Verdict by disciplinary committee will be communicated at a date to be announced but Chere is likely to be transferred to another school.
