Teacher Arrested for Alleged Murder of Student Over Phone Theft

A teacher in Kagera Region has been arrested for allegedly killing a student after accusing him of phone theft. The student suffered severe injuries from the teacher’s assault and later died at a medical facility. The police emphasized the importance of legal adherence in disciplinary actions.

In a grave incident reported from Kagera Region, Adrian Tinchwa, a 36-year-old primary school teacher at Igurwa School, has been detained under suspicion of the murder of Phares Buberwa, a Form Three student. The incident, which took place on September 18, 2024, was triggered when Mr. Tinchwa accused the student of stealing his mobile phone. According to a statement from Kagera Regional Police Commander Blasius Chatanda, the teacher allegedly assaulted the student, inflicting severe injuries by punching him in the forehead and striking him with an iron rod on his limbs. The circumstances unfolded when Mr. Tinchwa returned home to discover his door had been broken. Upon entering, he allegedly confronted Mr. Buberwa trying to escape from inside the house. Following the assault, the teacher transported the critically injured student to his parents’ residence before they took him to Rwambaizi Dispensary for medical care, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Commander Chatanda condemned the actions of the teacher, stating that he had taken the law into his own hands by administering excessive punishment which had direct consequences on the student’s life. He emphasized that investigations are ongoing, and that the suspect will face legal proceedings once due processes are completed. He also reminded the public of the importance of following legal protocols rather than resorting to violence, asserting, “The Kagera Regional Police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who fails to adhere to the law, as no one is above the law.”

This tragic event raises pressing concerns regarding discipline methods in educational institutions and the legal consequences of excessive punitive actions taken by teachers. In many instances, educators are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining student discipline while ensuring their safety and well-being. However, incidents like this underscore the potential for serious repercussions when educators resort to violent measures.

The incident involving Adrian Tinchwa and Phares Buberwa serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for educators to adhere to lawful and safe disciplinary methods. The Kagera Regional Police’s ongoing investigation highlights the imperative for accountability and adherence to legal guidelines, ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz