MILLICENT HUNGWE
TAKAVARASHA -The sudden and mysterious passing on of Form 4 bright student Shantel Mautsi has sent shockwaves through Muzondo High School and the surrounding community.
Shantel, an academically gifted student, died on September 26 and was laid to rest at Takavarasha Village on Sunday.
According to close sources who talked to The Midweek Watch, Shantel had been experiencing severe headaches and foot pains during her study times at night, prompting her grandmother to advise her to visit her mother, Evernice Ruimbe in Zvishavane on September 20.
“She complained of headaches and difficulty reading at night,” her mother revealed in an emotional interview.
“She was initially treated at White District Hospital in Zvishavane before being transferred to Gweru, where her condition worsened, and she eventually passed away on Thursday,” she said
Rumors are awash that Mautsi’s death was a result of witchcraft, fueled by jealousy over her academic excellence.
However, her mother dismissed these allegations, stating, “I know nothing about that.”
An unnamed source hinted at underlying family issues, suggesting that “there are many stories, and not everyone is on good terms.”
Shantel’s academic achievements were celebrated at Muzondo High School’s prize-giving ceremony on September 27, where she posthumously received 15 awards.
Efforts to obtain a statement from Shantel’s grandfather Muzondo High School Head Allowed Chomuyeke, who resides at the school’s cottages, were unsuccessful.