Peter Matika, peter.matika@chronicle.co.zw
TRIAL dates have been set for Kumalo Primary School headmistress, Stella Mhlanga, and four other staff members, who are accused of embezzling school funds through a well-calculated scheme, in which they defrauded the institution of more than US$12 000.
The trial was initially scheduled to kick off yesterday, but was rescheduled after the State preferred to try them separately to avoid influence.
According to the State, led by Mr Denmark Chihombe, Mhlanga (63) is set to be tried on November 20, while her deputy, Enelesi Sibanda (56) and another staff member, Nombulelo Maiswe (57) are set to face trial on November 14.
Rumbidzai Magwaku (36) and Siphatheleni Sibanda (52) are scheduled to appear on November 20.
Mr Chihombe argued that for the trial to be fair and free of influence, the group must be tried separately, despite facing the same charges. He said that although the crew is accused of similar charges, they have separate counts.
The matter first came to light in February when the school development committee (SDC) flagged inconsistencies in the school’s financial records.
The irregularities prompted a Government-led audit, which subsequently led to the arrest of the suspects. When the accused were arrested, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, provided details on how the alleged fraud was uncovered.
“Sometime in January this year, a workshop for Government bursars was held in Inyathi, organised by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. During the session, facilitators asked bursars with unbalanced books to come forward. One of the suspects, Magwaku, stood up, raising suspicions,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
During break time, another bursar reportedly approached Magwaku to enquire further but Magwaku allegedly became evasive.
Upon returning to Kumalo Primary School, a Government bursar examined the school’s financial records and discovered that US$2 000 was missing.
A review revealed significant misappropriation of funds involving multiple staff members.
According to Asst Insp Msebele, Mhlanga allegedly signed for US$7 835 in levy payments but only banked US$2 727, with the remaining US$5 108 reportedly converted to personal use.
Maiswe is alleged to have signed for US$2 574 but banked only US$20, leaving US$2 554 unaccounted for.
Magwaku reportedly failed to account for US$502 she collected from pupils, while the two Sibandas are accused of converting US$1 091 and US$630 respectively, to their own use.
The SDC, through its treasurer Vimbai Rudenya, also reported the case to the police’s Commercial Crime Unit under case number CRB 6312/025.
According to the Education Act (Chapter 25:04), the headmistress is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records, including accounts, ledgers, and other financial statements.
The Act also mandates that school heads exercise strict financial control to make sure funds are not misused.
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