Form 6 student stole US$3,200 from school office to buy Toyota Lexus

A 19-year-old Form Six student at St James Zongoro High School has appeared in court facing allegations of stealing more than US$3,000 from the school's administration office to purchase a vehicle.

Martin Chitembwe was brought before the Mutare Magistrates' Court this week on charges of unlawful entry and theft. He denied the allegations before Provincial Magistrate Poterai Gwezhira and was remanded out of custody. The matter has been set down for trial on April 26.

Prosecutor Joice Tinarwo told the court that Chitembwe allegedly gained access to the administration offices through deception.

He is accused of misleading the deputy head, Marian Masango, into handing over office keys by claiming he had been sent by Reverend Bezel Matikiti.

Once in possession of the keys, he allegedly unlocked both the main office and the clerk's office before taking US$3,202 from a drawer.

The case reportedly came to light after police received information that the teenager had purchased a black Toyota Lexus.

According to the State, Chitembwe initially confessed to the offence during police questioning, admitting that he used the stolen funds to buy the vehicle. However, he has since pleaded not guilty in court.

Authorities recovered the vehicle and US$2,400 believed to be part of the stolen money.

Chitembwe will return to court later this month for trial as investigations and legal proceedings continue.