By Shaffie A Mtambo
A group of 20 students from Assalam Boys Secondary School in Mangochi have been arrested by the police for allegedly vandalizing school property and setting buildings on fire.
Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,says the incident occurred on March 21, 2025, at around midnight, after a crackdown on illegal cellphone usage by the school administration.
Daudi added that according to the school’s Headteacher, John Chiwaula, a hostel search was conducted by teachers, resulting in the confiscation of 10 cellphones that were being used by students against school rules.
The students were reminded of the importance of adhering to school regulations, but a group of Form 3 and Form 2 students later vandalized school property, including classrooms, hostels, the library, and the dining hall.
The students also set the headteacher’s office and two staff rooms on fire, destroying computers, printers, students’ certificates, and teaching materials.
Therefore the total value of the damage is yet to be established.
The police responded swiftly to the incident and arrested the suspects, who admitted to acting out of anger over the confiscation of their mobile phones.
The students are currently in police custody pending further directives and court proceedings.
