Founders High deputy head allegedly authorized the fake payout

In a significant development in the Founders High School US$600 fraud case, co-accused Lazarus Moyo admitted in court that he received payment for plumbing work he never performed. Moyo and Founders High School deputy headmaster Nkosana Mlibazi face allegations of defrauding the school by claiming US$600 for plumbing repairs that were not carried out.

During cross-examination at the Bulawayo provincial magistrate's court before Mr Richard Ramaboea, Moyo conceded that submitting the invoice and receiving payment was a "mistake." He told prosecutor Milton Ncube that he had invoiced the school for US$600 and was paid, justifying it by claiming the school owed them money. When challenged about colluding with Mlibazi to defraud the school, Moyo said he had forgotten to inform the complainant about receiving payment during a subsequent meeting.

Prosecutor Ncube outlined that in August 2024, the school earned US$16,000 from hosting guests of the Confederation of School Sports Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa), which was deposited after covering all tournament-related expenses. Days later, Mlibazi and Moyo allegedly generated fraudulent documentation indicating that the school owed extra funds. Mlibazi then authorised US$600 to Moyo's company for plumbing work at a school hostel.

A subsequent investigation by the School Development Committee revealed that no plumbing work had been carried out. The matter was reported to the police, resulting in the arrest of both accused. The case continues, with the court expected to further examine the alleged conspiracy to defraud the school.