15 schools under ministry probe

The Ministry of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture is investigating 15 Government schools in different parts of the country following reports that heads and some teachers at the learning institutions were involved in corruption and maladministration. The minister, Senator David Coltart, would not be drawn into revealing the names of the schools, but, confirmed the cases were spread over the last three months.

He said his office continues to be inundated with reports of similar cases. He added that the suspects will either be suspended or handed over to the police.

"Since our ministry embarked on a countrywide audit last year, we rooted out rogue elements in the education sector. The elements comprised corrupt school heads and teachers," he said.

"My ministry has been receiving reports of teachers and their administration that are abusing funds and engaging in activities that are not stipulated in the Education Act.

"I would say we are satisfied with the current crop of teachers that we have in Zimbabwe. Considering that we have over 8 000 schools, we get only a tenth of cases of corruption."

Senator Coltart said the Government is working on a raft of new regulations that will help curb corruption in the sector.

"The regulations have already been approved by the ministry and we are now waiting for this to become law. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be brought to book.

"We are already investigating cases that have come to our attention. The ministry has a clear system.

When we get a report, the matter is brought before the Permanent Secretary who then forwards it to the respective education officers. So, in short, these schools are under investigation."