Security firm pressures school over debt

A local security company, Samasave Security Services (Pvt) Ltd, has taken its payment dispute with Friendship High School to the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and top education authorities, accusing the school of failing to settle a debt of US$6 050 for services rendered.

In a strongly worded letter dated August 5, 2025, and addressed to school head Tayengwa Christopher Maponga, Samasave warned that the "time for lawyers to exchange letters has come and gone," declaring that it was now pursuing "action towards reality and recovery."

The letter, seen by NewsDay, indicates that the company also copied the district schools inspector and the Harare provincial education director in its appeal for intervention.

According to the correspondence, the dispute stems from non-payment for security services provided to the Hatcliffe-based school between June and December 2024.

"Upon receiving one from your counsel stating that you had no time to entertain our grievances, we were left with no option but to consult widely," Samasave wrote. "Hence we approached other organisations and institutions to make sure justice prevails and due diligence of duty by school heads is exercised."

The company accused Maponga of trying to silence its employees by hiring a lawyer instead of paying the outstanding debt.

"It is a cowardly move to pay US$1 500 to a lawyer to try to silence poor ladies and gentlemen who used to open and close the gate for you," the firm charged. "You enjoyed the services as witnessed by the school development committee chairperson's report at the previous AGM held on March 29, 2025."

Samasave said it had checked its accounts - First Capital Bank 14702813000 and 2147-1046965 - and found no record of payment for July 2023 onwards, demanding proof of payment if any had been made.

"We are not demanding much from you, sir, but payment for the services which you know were provided at Friendship High School," the company stated. "We will not rest until our voice is heard by the highest office of the land or justice prevails."

The security firm accused Maponga of mismanaging school funds and failing to properly supervise the School Development Committee (SDC), which it claimed had budgeted for its services.

Samasave won the tender to provide security at Friendship High in July 2023 and was reportedly paid consistently until June 2024. The school, however, contends that it only owes the company for November and December 2024.

Earlier this year, Maponga confirmed the dispute, saying discussions were ongoing to resolve the matter.

The escalating standoff has now drawn the attention of oversight bodies, with Samasave insisting that its case should serve as a warning to other schools to uphold accountability and avoid "turning government schools into private firms or tuckshops."