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The Public Service Commission is investigating a principal director with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for allegedly using a forged and backdated letter to reinstate a Vainona High School headmaster who had been relieved of his duties.
The headmaster, Antony Mhene, was dismissed for misappropriating funds as well as hiring out school computers as an internet café.
He was dismissed from duty after a disciplinary hearing on November 12, with new permanent secretary Mrs Tumisang Thabela signing the letter of dismissal.
However, Jacob Gonese, who is the principal director, took advantage of the handover/ takeover when Dr Sylvia Utete- Masango was retired to slip in a backdated and forged letter, purportedly demoting Mhene to the position of deputy headmaster at George Stark High School.
The letter was dated November 1 and bears Dr Utete-Masango’s signature.
The Herald is in possession of both letters.
The matter came to light when Mhene approached officials at the Salary Service Bereau (SSB) with the second letter.
After verification, the officials realised that the letter dated November 12 and signed by the permanent secretary was the authentic one and raised the alarm.
Sources say the fraudulent letter was nicodemously hand- delivered to Mhene by Gonese at the Newlands Shopping Centre in Harare.
Mhene then took the letter to PSC, ministry offices and SSB where officials became suspicious.
Sensing danger, Mhene tried to retrieve the letter from the SSB officials but failed.
He has not yet taken up his new post and refused to speak to the Press.
Meanwhile, Gonese is frantically trying to dislodge and transfer members of staff at the ministry’s human resources department he fears may testify against him in the matter.
Online Reporter