Zambezi pupil fighting for his life after attack over N$20

A grade 10 pupil from Simataa Secondary School is in and out of hospital after suffering severe injuries in an alleged assault over an unpaid N$20 debt to another pupil.

Matengu Lubasi’s life changed on 23 March when Grade 12 pupil Sinyama Simataa, together with three boys, grabbed him and took him into a hostel room, where they allegedly assaulted him.
It’s alleged that Simataa (25) assaulted Lubasi (19) while the others held him down.

Lubasi owed Simataa N$20 and could not pay it back.

The assault left Lubasi with a severe spinal cord injury; he has difficulty breathing, and his vision comes and goes.

Lubasi’s stepfather, Kamwi Mbeha, told The Namibian yesterday that Lubasi had asked Simataa to wait until the end of the Easter weekend, saying he would get money from his parents to pay him back.

However, Simataa refused to listen and allegedly beat Lubasi into unconsciousness.

“My son only remembers waking up in his own room and in pain. A supervising teacher came in later to ask what happened, and he was taken to the clinic. That same teacher called us to tell us about his assault. However, he claimed it was not severe; he was just a bit swollen in the face.

“He promised to send a picture but never did. On Wednesday, the same teacher called us again to say that Lubasi needs serious medical attention and he was transferred to Katima Mulilo District Hospital,” he said.

Mbeha said Lubasi was transferred to Rundu because he was seriously injured and had lost his vision for a few days.

“The medical staff at Rundu did their best to restore his sight and treat his spinal cord injuries,” he said.

Mbeha said it is disheartening for him to see his son, whom he raised since he was 10 years old, in such pain every day and walking on crutches.

“He was born fine, with no issues, only to be beaten by someone over a mere N$20. He cannot sit, walk, breathe, or see well. We have to take him to the hospital every day for an injection because of the pain. The other night he could not breathe properly, and we rushed him to the hospital,” he said.

Mbeha said while his son suffers daily, Simataa is out on bail of N$2 000 and is back at school, following his appearance in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court on 9 April.

“The school did not take any further action against the culprit. He is writing exams, while my son is at home and will most probably repeat the grade. How fair is that? My wife and I appealed to the school to at least allow my son to write examinations from home under a teacher’s supervision. However, it was rejected,” he said.

Lubasi’s mother, Julietar Tshaka, says her son’s assault has now placed a strain on their finances because they have to take him to hospital every day.

She she says there is a possibility her son will be referred to Windhoek for an operation to fix his spine.

“His care after the operation will require more money, and we will not be able to afford that,” she says.

Tshaka adds that her son was kept at the hostel for three days after being taken to the clinic while his injuries were serious.

“He could not even talk when he was brought to the hospital. The school management failed to report the incident to the police. They did not take any responsibility for my son’s assault. They don’t care about his situation while it’s clear that there was negligence on their part. We need to be compensated by the Ministry of Education, [Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture]” she says.

Regional education director Alex Sikume yesterday said they have launched an independent investigation into the attack.

“After that, proper action shall be taken,” he said.

He also added that Simataa has been suspended from the school hostel.

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