The Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has strongly condemned acts of vandalism by students at Michiru and Chisapi Private Secondary Schools and is urging the Malawi Police Service to take swift action.
The association has called for the arrest of those responsible and requested the release of their names to ensure they are not admitted to other private institutions.
“These are criminals, not students,” said PRISAM President Ernest Kaonga.
“There’s no way a disciplined student can vandalise school property, regardless of any differences. Once we have the names, we will alert private schools to avoid enrolling them.”
The incidents, which caused damages running into millions of kwachas, have raised serious concerns about discipline and the protection of educational facilities. The call for action comes amid a broader crackdown on vandalism in Malawian schools, following similar issues in public institutions.
In a related development, the Ministry of Education recently reopened Khola and Nachitheme Secondary Schools in Ntcheu District after students and community members vandalised property last year. Students at both schools have been required to pay restitution fees, while ringleaders were excluded from re-enrolment.
Education Secretary, Mangani Chilala Katundu, said that the ministry will work with civil society, traditional leaders, and the police to develop strategies aimed at fostering discipline and safeguarding property.
“We must ensure such incidents are never repeated,” said Katundu, adding that the cooperation of communities is vital to sustaining order in schools.
