ONGWEDIVA – A teacher is in police custody after a series of threats against his principal, colleagues and villagers. He also called his senior a witch, corrupt and stupid.
Michael Mukupi (41) of Tjihozu Combined School in the Omusati region appeared in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court last week.
His case was postponed to 27 March 2023 for further police investigations.
He was denied bail.
He is facing charges of assault through threatening and defamation of character.
According to the Omusati police spokesperson Anna Kunga, the suspect was arrested last week for allegedly threatening to kill the school principal, insult her and calling her a witch.
Approached for a comment, the school principal of Tjihozu Lusia Shipiki (50) said she is tired of being allegedly attacked by the suspect in front of the learners and her colleagues.
“Since 2018, he has been insulting me, accusing me of being corrupt and a witch. I have been so strong for a very long time,” she lamented.
According to Shipiki, this month when the schools opened, the suspect allegedly threatened to kill her while at school.
“Mukupi approached me while in the office saying that I would be killed with a gun,” she added.
The principal stressed that she opened the case against Mukupi after he threatened her because she felt unsafe.
“It’s not easy to go to the school while you have a colleague who is always insulting you in front of the learners and teachers,” she said.
Shipiki added that two cases were opened last year against the suspect by two teachers who were also insulted by Mukupi.
“The suspect also has issues with the villagers. Recently, a case was opened against him after he pointed a gun at one of the villagers,” she added.
Suspect Mukupi, while in custody, called New Era on Sunday demanding justice against his arrest.
Mukupi said he had an issue with the principal after she allegedly got involved in corrupt practices at school.
“Since 2018, the school principal has had issues with me. I did not threaten her but I insulted her for being a stupid principal,” said Mukupi.
He added that the principal always wanted him to be chased away from the school.
“I was part of the school management but Shipiki chased me away from the management committee after I discovered her corruption activities,” he added.
Mukupi is calling on the education minister to get involved in this matter as soon as possible.