Caretaker steals school property

Sharon Buwerimwe, Court Reporter

A CARETAKER at a school in Bulawayo has been dragged to court by the headmistress for allegedly stealing school property valued at $1 660.

Beaton Ndlovu (48) who is employed at Mawaba Primary School in Lobengula West suburb allegedly stole from Ms Morrinah Dlamini (52) seven sets of school sports kit, 10 benches, 132 plastic plates, two pots and buckets.

Ndlovu pleaded not guilty to theft before West Commonage magistrate, Ms Tancy Dube.

The magistrate remanded him out of custody on free bail to today for continuation of trial.

Ndlovu, in his defence, said he borrowed the benches from Ms Dlamini in 2014 and did not know anything about the other items.

“I didn’t steal, I borrowed the benches in 2014 and I forgot to return them,” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Tapiwa Solani said on August 22, at around 10AM, Ms Dlamini received an anonymous tip-off that Ndlovu allegedly stole school furniture and stationery.

“Ndlovu unlawfully took property namely, pots, plates, spoons soccer kits, fence, benches and water containers,” he said.

Ms Dlamini said Ndlovu took school furniture without her knowledge and hid it at his rural home.

“On August 22, I received a call from a private caller who told me that our care taker was stealing from the school. I made a physical check and discovered that a lot of school stuff was missing. The informant also told me that Ndlovu has a spare key which he uses to unlock the clerk’s storeroom,” she said.

“Ndlovu is lying that he borrowed school property. He is only trying to defend himself. Before I reported this matter to police, we had noticed that benches were missing in classrooms and I asked him and he said he doesn’t know anything. I’m so disappointed after finding out that he is a thief.”

The matter was reported to police leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.

Police allegedly recovered the benches, two pots and the soccer kits.

The value of stolen goods was $1 660 and goods recovered was $990.—@sharonbuwe