A jaw-dropping financial scandal has exploded at Mzilikazi High School, with the bursar and tuck shop attendant now in handcuffs after allegedly looting more than US$20,000 from the institution’s coffers.

The bombshell fraud was uncovered when government auditors stormed the school on January 27 for a routine check. Bursar Josephine Tavanhira from Gwabalanda suburb was ordered to produce the cash she had on hand — but this simple request would unravel her entire scheme. Tavanhira handed over just US$1,500, but when auditors checked the official receipt book, they found she had recorded US$8,000 in payments. The missing US$6,500 raised immediate red flags, prompting a full-scale investigation.

In a dramatic turn, auditors ordered students to bring their payment receipts for verification. That’s when the shocking truth emerged — students produced receipts from a secret book that Tavanhira had hidden from auditors. Cornered by the evidence, the bursar allegedly confessed to operating a shadow receipt system, admitting she had pocketed a staggering US$13,634. Her alleged partner-in-crime, tuck shop attendant Melody Mathuthu, was also implicated in the brazen scheme.

School authorities moved swiftly, suspending the pair immediately before a heated meeting where staff voted unanimously to involve the police. The case was handed to law enforcement, leading to their dramatic arrest. A furious parent told B-Metro that he suspected more members of staff could be involved in the scam. “US$20,000? Do you know how much money that is? You can buy a house with that kind of money. Don’t tell me the authorities were unaware of this, happening right under their noses. I think there are more people and more money involved,” said the parent on condition of anonymity.

Bulawayo’s acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the bust, telling B-Metro: “We have arrested two women for embezzling school funds. They will be appearing in court soon to answer for these serious allegations.” The scandal has sent shockwaves through the school community, with parents and teachers demanding tighter financial controls. As the case heads to court, all eyes will be on whether the accused will face the full might of the law for their alleged betrayal of trust.

source- bmetro