A Grade Six Chivi juvenile is on the run after he allegedly fatally struck his classmate below the ear with a water bottle during a revenge fight, police have confirmed.

The 12-year-old boy (name withheld because of age) of Masunda North primary school in Headman Madamombe’s area had been beaten in a previous fight by the deceased Mike Maregere (11).

Acting Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said the incident occurred at Masunda primary school on Wednesday at 10.40 am.

He said the body of the deceased was taken to Chivi District Hospital mortuary for postmortem.

“We have received a report of murder involving two juveniles doing Grade Six at Masunda North primary in Chivi. The older boy accused the young one of having overpowered him in a previous fight and told his victim that he wanted revenge.

“The boy is still at large and a manhunt for him has been launched,” said Asst Insp Dehwa.

He said on the fateful day at around 10.40 am while the teacher, Mr Nyashadzashe Ndonyerai was out of the classroom, the boy claimed that Mike had previously beaten him in a fight and wanted to revenge.

The boy then picked a 500ml plastic bottle full of water from the classroom which he used to strike the victim behind the right ear and he collapsed.

When Mr Ndonyerai returned he found Mike lying down unconscious and he rushed him to Mhandamambwe Clinic.

He said while at the clinic his condition deteriorated and he was referred to Chivi District Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

A report was made to Mashava police who attended the scene and by then the suspect had disappeared.