Suspected burglars last week stole R24 000 from Dikili Primary School in Tsholotsho that was meant for examination fees.
The suspects broke into the school’s strongroom and took the box that contained the money and later dumped it at the school’s sporting fields.
The box was later discovered by the School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson Rodger Madebe Mpofu. It had R540.
Mpofu is also an overnight security guard at the nearby Dikili Secondary School which was also robbed last term.
The Chronicle quoted a police source as saying the robbery could be an inside job as there was no forced entry into the headmaster’s office where the strongroom is. Said the source:
The theft was discovered in the morning by the receipting teacher. However, what is strange is that there was no forced entry into the office.
The main door was intact including that of the strongroom which suggests that it’s clearly an inside job. It’s someone who had the keys or the duplicate keys.
Detectives at Tsholotsho Police Station picked up the headmaster, a Mr Ngwenya and his deputy, one Ms Ncube for questioning but later released them after spending a night in police cells.
Pupils at the school may fail to sit for the Grade Seven examinations unless the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) allows the pupils to write the exams without paying the fees.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Matabeleland North Province Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the burglary and said investigations are in progress.
Provincial Education Director for Matabeleland North Jabulani Mpofu said they will engage ZIMSEC to ensure the pupils are not disadvantaged.
More: Chronicle