Tinotenda Hove – Police in Chiredzi are searching for a transporter who allegedly fled after leaving behind a written confession linked to the death of a four-year-old Early Childhood Development (ECD-A) learner at Chiredzi Government Primary School last week.

The family of the child, Steadfast Makondo, is demanding answers after she died under circumstances that remain unclear, raising serious concerns about learner safety and supervision at schools.

Steadfast was reportedly last seen on Tuesday while returning home from school. Her death has devastated her family and left the Chiredzi 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 understand how their daughter could go 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 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, described the pain of seeing the child’s body, saying, “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.”

The school transporter, Mr Lovemore Muchono, told authorities that he had dropped Steadfast at school on Tuesday morning and raised the alarm when he realised 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.

Police later revealed that the transporter allegedly fled, leaving behind a written confession that is now central to investigations.

The incident has left the Chiredzi community deeply shaken, with parents openly questioning the safety of children at school.

“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 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 said, “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 ignited a broader national debate on learner safety, including policies governing ECD learners, school transporters and the proper handover of children.

Addressing the issue, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said schools must take full responsibility for learners while they are on school premises.

“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,” said Deputy Director for Communications and Advocacy, Mr Patrick Zumbo.

The Makondo family says it is now relying on the police to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.

In a separate but related tragedy, the Zaka community is also 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 said to be in police custody, although authorities are yet to officially confirm the incident.