News / National
Residents furious as Zanu-PF official seizes school bus for personal use
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Concession residents are up in arms against Zanu-PF official Phillip Somanja, the School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson at Kundayi High School in Concession, who reportedly seized the institution's commuter omnibus, which later overturned near Gweshe while he was returning from purchasing goats for resale.
Reports indicate that Somanja is involved in the goat-buying and selling business.
He allegedly used his political influence and authority to take control of the school’s omnibus, using it on various routes in Mashonaland Central province to support his business operations.
Somanja is also accused of preventing school personnel from using the bus, as he wants to maintain full control over it.
Investigations by the Bulawayo24News team following the incident revealed that the school's headmaster, Mr. Edgar Gatsi, is also complicit in intimidating parents. It is alleged that he insulted learners, telling them that their parents were "worse than dogs" after they raised concerns about the school's failure to purchase a 75-seater bus, as other schools have done.
Somanja declined to comment, stating that he does not speak to journalists.
"Yes, I know you, and unfortunately, I am not at liberty to talk to the media. I don't talk to you," Somanja said before switching off his mobile phone.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the headmaster were also unsuccessful, as he remained evasive and directed all inquiries to the acting head, Mr. Garikayi.
"Unfortunately, I am on my annual leave and not in a position to comment on issues I am not aware of. Kindly contact the acting headmaster, Mr. Garikayi, who will be available to respond," Gatsi said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Mr. Taungana Ndoro, confirmed the accident but claimed the omnibus was being driven by the SDC treasurer.
"The SDC has a goat project, so the chairperson asked the treasurer to pick up the goats, and unfortunately, he was involved in an accident," Ndoro said.
However, reports suggest that Somanja drove the school bus without a valid driver's license.
Reports indicate that Somanja is involved in the goat-buying and selling business.
He allegedly used his political influence and authority to take control of the school’s omnibus, using it on various routes in Mashonaland Central province to support his business operations.
Somanja is also accused of preventing school personnel from using the bus, as he wants to maintain full control over it.
Investigations by the Bulawayo24News team following the incident revealed that the school's headmaster, Mr. Edgar Gatsi, is also complicit in intimidating parents. It is alleged that he insulted learners, telling them that their parents were "worse than dogs" after they raised concerns about the school's failure to purchase a 75-seater bus, as other schools have done.
Somanja declined to comment, stating that he does not speak to journalists.
"Yes, I know you, and unfortunately, I am not at liberty to talk to the media. I don't talk to you," Somanja said before switching off his mobile phone.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the headmaster were also unsuccessful, as he remained evasive and directed all inquiries to the acting head, Mr. Garikayi.
"Unfortunately, I am on my annual leave and not in a position to comment on issues I am not aware of. Kindly contact the acting headmaster, Mr. Garikayi, who will be available to respond," Gatsi said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Mr. Taungana Ndoro, confirmed the accident but claimed the omnibus was being driven by the SDC treasurer.
"The SDC has a goat project, so the chairperson asked the treasurer to pick up the goats, and unfortunately, he was involved in an accident," Ndoro said.
However, reports suggest that Somanja drove the school bus without a valid driver's license.
Source - Byo24News
