A head chef at Ruya Adventist High School in Mt. Darwin has been arrested for allegedly locking a female student in a toilet and assaulting her so severely that the student sustained a broken hand and multiple bruises.
The accused, identified as Lesley Bizwell, reportedly attacked Meloshance Kashingaidze after confronting her over alleged gossip. The incident occurred on school premises and went unreported for three days as the school authorities attempted to conceal it.
However, the situation escalated when Meloshance was taken to Mt. Darwin Hospital by the school’s deputy head, Mrs. Zingoni, without a police report. Medical staff at the hospital insisted on proper documentation before administering treatment, effectively forcing the school to report the matter to the police. This ultimately led to Bizwell’s arrest.
Meloshance, who suffered a fractured left hand and bruises across her body, recounted the harrowing experience.
“She asked me to enter the toilet, and I thought she wanted me to clean it. Instead, she locked the door and began beating me. She told me she was punishing me for gossiping,” said the student.
According to Meloshance, Bizwell used thick sticks, a safety shoe, and bare hands during the assault.
“I cried out, begged for forgiveness, and pleaded with her to stop after I felt my hand break. She only showed regret when the hospital staff refused to help me without a police report,” she added.
Tensions flared at the school following the incident, with both staff and students expressing outrage. Some learners even threatened to protest over the administration’s initial silence.
It has also emerged that Bizwell has a history of violent conduct, having previously faced similar accusations while working at Junction Adventist School before being transferred to Ruya.
Bizwell is expected to appear in court today to answer to the assault charges.
