BREAKING NEWS!!!...
Transporter Flees After Confessing to ECD Pupil's Death
_Suspect admits child suffocated in locked vehicle before body was moved twice_
*By Costain Shamu*
The transporter at the center of last week's tragic death of an Early Childhood Development pupil from Chiredzi Government Primary School has fled after leaving a confession letter detailing how the child died, reliable sources have confirmed.
The suspect, identified as Muchono, a Tongaat Huletts employee who operated as a school transporter, reportedly admitted in the letter that the child suffocated in his vehicle after being inadvertently left inside with the windows closed.
Sequence of events
According to the confession letter, the child failed to disembark from the vehicle when dropped at school in the morning. The transporter proceeded to his workplace, unaware the child remained in the vehicle.
After parking the car with the windows closed, Muchono went about his workday. It was only during his lunch period that he discovered the tragedy that had unfolded.
In an apparent attempt to conceal the incident, the transporter allegedly drove to Chitsanga hill where he disposed of the body. He then continued with his regular routine, collecting other children from school as usual.
In a disturbing turn of events, Muchono reportedly raised the alarm about the "missing" child while delivering the other pupils home, appearing to participate in the search for the child he knew was deceased.
Body Moved Twice
The confession letter reveals that later that night, the transporter returned to Chitsanga hill to retrieve the body. He then relocated it to the New Town premise, where it was discovered the following day.
Investigation Continues
The body was transported to Bulawayo for post-mortem examination, which was done today and the body is on its way back.
Police are actively searching for Muchono, who remains at large. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the confession letter or the suspect's whereabouts.
Safety Concerns Raised
This tragedy has exposed critical gaps in school transport safety protocols and raised urgent questions about the regulation of private school transporters.
Parents and education stakeholders are calling for immediate implementation of safety measures, including:
- Mandatory headcounts:
Schools and transporters should conduct thorough headcounts when children board and disembark from vehicles
-Communication protocols:
Immediate notification to parents and schools when a child fails to arrive as scheduled
- Vehicle checks:
Transporters must physically check all seats and compartments before locking vehicles
- Licensing and vetting:
Stricter background checks and licensing requirements for individuals transporting children
- Supervision standards:
Clear guidelines on adult-to-child ratios in school transport
- Tracking systems:
Implementation of digital attendance systems to monitor children's movements between home and school
Several parents have expressed concern that many school transporters operate informally without proper oversight or accountability mechanisms.
"We entrust these people with our children's lives every day," said one parent who wished to remain anonymous. "There need to be systems in place to ensure this never happens again."
Calls for Regulation
Education experts are urging authorities to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for school transport services, including regular safety audits and penalties for non-compliance.
The tragedy has also renewed calls for mandatory training for school transporters on child safety, emergency response, and duty of care responsibilities.
Community in Shock
The revelations have deepened the trauma for the family and the community, who are struggling to comprehend how a trusted transporter could leave a child to die and then attempt to cover up the tragedy.
ZBC News Online
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Chiredzi Town Council
Chiredzi Scrivener
Ministry of Primary & Secondary Education, Zimbabwe
Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training
DJ Ollah 7
Dj Sparks Zw
The Herald-Zimbabwe
Masvingo MirrorGreetings, Chiredzi Central Community,
We have received information from the Muchono family that Councillor Muchono of Ward 19, Hippo Valley has been reported missing. He left home while going through a very difficult and distressing period, and his family is deeply concerned for his safety.
If anyone has seen him or has any information about his whereabouts, please urgently contact the police or reach out to the family using the number below:
? +263 785 064 359
