Trip money 'disappears' at Banket Primary School

Parents and guardians of Banket Primary School are demanding accountability from school authorities after allegations surfaced that part of the funds raised for a school trip to Victoria Falls in October 2024 were misused by staff members.

The allegations were brought to light during a recent meeting between parents and school officials, with claims that US$3,080, intended for the trip, was stolen by teachers, affecting 14 students who were left without proper receipts for their payments.

In a letter sent to the District Schools Inspector for Zvimba, Andrew Matsikiti, on December 4, parents named four staff members as being implicated in the alleged scam. According to the parents, the school had announced the annual educational tour in October, inviting willing parents or guardians to pay US$220 per child to cover travel, accommodation, meals, and activities in Victoria Falls.

However, the parents allege that several payments were made directly to staff members, with no receipts provided in exchange. "We are very sad to put it on record that we have some parents numbering about eight who paid money to four members of staff without receiving receipts as proof of payment," the letter reads.

Further investigation by the parents revealed that only 55 out of the 56 students had their payments properly recorded by the school bursar, leaving the remaining students potentially victimized by the misappropriation.

The parents also reported troubling conditions during the trip. On the second day of the excursion, students were allegedly served spoiled food, and several planned activities were canceled. Worse yet, on their return trip, students endured a nearly 600km journey without food, with only those carrying pocket money allowed to buy food after a seven-hour delay in Gweru.

One of the more concerning issues raised was the discrepancy in accommodation receipts. Parents questioned why the bursar presented a receipt for Venus Hotel, while students had actually stayed at Budget Lodges. When pressed for an explanation, the bursar reportedly said that this was the information provided by the staff accompanying the students, but no further clarification was given.

The parents are now calling for the school's development committee to investigate the matter and for justice to be served. They have demanded transparency in the handling of school funds, particularly for such significant events like school trips.

Banket Primary School Head, Nelson Nzombe, confirmed that the issue was being investigated, and further investigation is underway. The Zvimba District Schools Inspector, Andrew Matsikiti, also acknowledged the matter, stating that a team had been dispatched to look into the allegations.

"We are aware of the reported matter at Banket Primary School and we have sent a team to investigate the matter," Matsikiti said. "Unfortunately, I am not allowed to comment further on the matter but our team is on the ground as we speak."

Parents are hopeful that a thorough investigation will bring clarity and justice to the situation.