3 headmasters fired, 4 under investigation for abusing school funds

Three Masvingo headmasters have been fired while four others are under investigation for allegedly abusing school funds amid fears that more schools across the province might have suffered prejudice.

Government has since the beginning of the year descended on seven primary and secondary schools across Masvingo Province after headmasters allegedly siphoned nearly US$50 000 in school levies.

The schools that were allegedly fleeced are Batanai and Hamandishe primary schools in Gutu, Magudu secondary and Rujeko primary schools in Masvingo district,Machira High School in Bikita, Arc Munaka Secondary School in Chivi and Nikita High School in Mwenezi.

Masvingo provincial education director Ms Clara Dube yesterday confirmed the firing or suspension of headmasters at the seven schools.

"We have so far fired three headmasters after conducting disciplinary hearings where they were found guilty of abusing schools funds," she  said.

Ms Dube said her office was still investigating four other schools where headmasters were suspended for abusing school funds.

She, however, could not reveal the total amount abused while sources in her office said the amount was close to US$50 000.

"We also conduct our internal disciplinary processes and if one is found guilty he or she is dismissed but that does not mean that the issue will end there.

"The law will still take its own course because we do not condone theft of school funds so after our internal hearings are complete we also report to police those who would have abused funds so that they are taken to court."