By Tendai Makaripe
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — A deputy head at Founders High School in Bulawayo and a contractor have been convicted of defrauding the school of US$600 from money raised during the school’s sports tournament, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said.
The Tredgold Magistrates’ Court convicted Nkosana Mlibazi, the school’s deputy head, contractor Lazarus Moyo and Lazaco Engineers (Pvt) Ltd on fraud charges linked to funds from the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) games, a regional schools’ sports competition.
Prosecutors said the school raised US$16,070 from hosting the games between August and September 2024.
However, Mlibazi, who was entrusted with the money, allegedly collaborated with Moyo to divert US$600 by fabricating quotations and receipts, claiming that Lazaco Engineers had supplied materials and carried out repairs.
“Investigations later revealed that no work had been done, and a caretaker had bought and installed the equipment independently,” read the statement in part.
“The convictions underscore accountability and protection of public funds,” continued the statement.
The court sentenced Mlibazi and Moyo to eight months in jail, but suspended the sentence in parts, including on condition they pay a US$200 fine, restitute US$200 and complete 140 hours of community service.
The court also fined Lazaco Engineers US$200 and ordered the company to repay US$200.
The case adds to a growing list of investigations and prosecutions involving alleged abuse of school money in Zimbabwe, where levy payments, enrolment fees and fundraising proceeds often cover basics such as maintenance, sports costs and learning materials.
In Harare, the head, deputy head and bursar at Courtney Selous Primary School in Greendale previously appeared in court on criminal abuse of duty allegations after they were arrested over claims they under-banked and stole about US$67,108 between January 2023 and May 2024.
In another case, a Bible Temple Primary School administrator in Waterfalls appeared in court on fraud charges after an audit, accused of underreporting enrolment payments and converting about US$432,160 and ZWG 19,079,411, and was granted bail.
