The Morogoro Regional Police are investigating an incident involving the alleged physical assault of a secondary school student, after images of the victim began circulating on social media.
Regional Police Commander Alex Mkama confirmed that the incident was reported yesterday at the Morogoro Police Station by 16-year-old Raj Sanjay Watts, a Form Two student at Morogoro Secondary School (MORO SEC).
According to authorities, the student sustained physical injuries and was treated at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital before being discharged.
The student claims the assault occurred following the release of internal examination results. He said that students who scored Division 4 and Division 0 were subjected to extreme corporal punishment.
“A group of teachers ordered us to lie face down, clench our fists, and place them on gravel while they beat us. I experienced severe pain below the buttocks,” said Raj.
Several other students, speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity, reported receiving up to 15 strokes, with others saying they were hit 10 times.
They further alleged that after the incident gained public attention, school staff instructed them to write statements falsely claiming they had only received three strokes.
The students also revealed that officials from the Morogoro Municipal Education Department visited the school several times, questioning them about the incident and encouraging them to provide honest accounts.
Some parents have strongly condemned the punishment, arguing that such excessive corporal discipline violates the national education laws concerning student welfare and disciplinary measures.
There are also claims that some students have been intimidated and warned not to speak the truth about the incident.
Efforts are ongoing to reach the Morogoro Municipal Education Officer and the headteacher of Morogoro Secondary School for comment.