Corruption scandal unfolds at Dimbe Primary school...

Corruption scandal unfolds at Dimbe Primary school in Marondera

Runodada Witness

ZimNow Reporter

A massive corruption scandal has come to light at Dimbe Primary School, involving the school's former acting headmaster, Mr. Tombe, and his deputy, Innocent Tapfuma, who are accused of embezzling money from parents through fraudulent cash transactions.

The allegations surfaced after Josline Chigodora, the school's bursar, was fired following revelations of a widespread scheme to steal school fees paid in U.S. dollars. The scandal began after Mr. Mamvuma, the former headmaster, was promoted, leaving Mr. Tombe as the acting headmaster.

During Tombe's tenure, parents and guardians were required to pay school fees in U.S. dollars, but no proper receipt book was maintained. The corruption was exposed when a guardian came forward, claiming her children were sent home for non-payment of fees, despite having already paid. The guardian further alleged that she had never received receipts for previous payments.

In an attempt to cover up the situation, Tapfuma reportedly gave Chigodora $10 and instructed her to issue a receipt for the guardian. However, in a calculated move, Tapfuma removed the carbon copy from the receipt book to avoid leaving a record of the transaction, an act that was witnessed by the complainant. This incident triggered the guardian to spread word of the deceit among other parents, leading to the exposure of the fraudulent activities.

Further suspicions were raised when Mr. Mamvuma, the former headmaster, contacted Mr. Tombe, informing him that the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) required proof of school fees payments. In response, Tombe and his team quickly cleared all debts owed to ZIMSEC using funds from the unrecorded payments.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Tombe retired, leaving deputy headmaster Innocent Tapfuma in charge. However, with the introduction of a new receipt book, their ability to continue the fraudulent activities was curtailed.

Despite these developments, Chigodora, who had been issuing receipts under instruction from her superiors, became the scapegoat. She faced accusations of stealing school funds, with her signature on many of the disputed receipts being used as evidence against her. Chigodora defended herself, stating, "I was instructed by my bosses on whether to issue a receipt or not. To keep my job, I had no choice but to follow their orders."

In the wake of the scandal, Chigodora was fired. Now jobless, she faces the harsh reality of being unable to afford school fees for her own children.

The District School Inspector, Mr. Changa, confirmed to ZimNow that investigations are ongoing. "We are looking into the matter thoroughly," he said, adding that those found guilty will be held accountable.