Chief Murinye has temporarily allowed the opening of Riverton Academy after initially blocking access to the new school, claiming he had not authorised its construction. The academy, which is expected to open this term, has reportedly enrolled about 1 000 pupils and is offering boarding facilities at a fee of US$150 per term.
The school was built by business man Phillimon Mutangiri, who comes from Machingura Village .Videos circulating on social media showed the chief using his Isuzu truck to block the road leading to the school, disrupting traffic as vehicles transporting parents and learners were stopped. Police officers from Muchakata Police Station in Masvingo Central later intervened, leading to the removal of the vehicle and the temporary restoration of access.
Chief Murinye, born Elias Munodawafa said he was granting only a temporary go-ahead for the school to operate while the parties work on finding alternative land or resolving the underlying dispute over authorisation and location