Acting bursar steals $3,210

Emily Mbewe Court Reporter
AN acting bursar at Manyewu Primary School in Bulawayo has been arrested for stealing more than $3,000 from the school. Goodwill Dongo, 30, of Cowdray Park suburb yesterday pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze.

She sentenced him to a wholly suspended 18 months in prison.

“In passing sentence I took into consideration that you’re a first offender who pleaded guilty to the charge and didn’t waste the court’s time,” said Msipa-Marondedze.

“You also told the court that you’re married and you’ve a minor child. A custodial sentence isn’t suitable for first offenders because when coming out of prison they’ll be a problem to society.

“You’re therefore sentenced to 18 months imprisonment of which six months are suspended on the usual condition that you don’t commit a similar offence within a period of five years.”

Msipa-Marondedze suspended the remaining 12 months on condition Dongo completes 421 hours of community service at Mkhithika Thebe Primary School with effect from May 25.

Prosecuting, Dumisani Ndlovu told the court that sometime during the month of February 2014, Dongo received tuition fees from pupils amounting to $3,210.

The court heard that after receiving the money Dongo converted it to his own use.

“The offence came to light when the school bursar, Sikhuphukile Dube took the books for reconciliation since she had been away,” said Ndlovu.

He told the court that Dongo paid back the money after he discovered that the matter had been reported to the police.