Senior official 'attempts' to fraudulently withdraw Nust funds

A senior official employed in the National University of Science and Technology (Nust)'s accounts department allegedly forged the signature of one of his subordinates and was later caught trying to transfer $4 500 of the institution's money into his personal account.

An uproar at the institution has allegedly ensued as some officials accuse their superiors of blocking the official's suspension to pave way for investigations.

Sources at the university yesterday said officials at Metbank found out that the man had forged the signature of one of the signatories to the institution's account in an attempt to "steal" the money.

"On Wednesday last week, officials at the bank found out that  the man had forged the signature of a junior accountant, Ms Sebata. They immediately alerted Nust of the possible fraud," said one of the sources.

The source alleged that senior officials at Nust tried to cover up the offence but were eventually forced to bow to pressure from their juniors.

"We were angry because some people were recently fired for pocketing $20 that was paid by prospective students to obtain application forms. We felt this was a more serious offence that also warranted summary dismissal. Besides, there is a possibility that he might have done it successfully on other occasions," said the source.

Another source said Nust management finally wrote a suspension letter on Friday.

"The letter has to be endorsed by the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Lindela Ndlovu. He was out of the country and only came back on Monday. However, it is surprising that up to now, the suspension has not been effected," said the source.

Contacted for comment, Nust's director of information and public relations, Mr Felix Moyo confirmed the incident.

"I can confirm the story, but the details are still sketchy at the moment. There is an even deeper investigation, although there was no prejudice to the university," said Mr Moyo.

He said the allegations that there were people who were trying to block the official's suspension were false.

"What they are saying is not possible. We have a strict code of conduct that we follow to the letter and there is no individual who has the power to subvert it," he said.

The official declined to comment further, saying more details would emerge after the investigation.

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