Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
A FORMER Plumtree nurse accused of swindling several people out of thousands of United States dollars has been described by former classmates as a quiet, well-behaved and intelligent student who once earned the trust of her teachers and peers.
Eustina Tshuma, who reportedly resigned from Plumtree District Hospital following her suspension over the allegations, was described as a dedicated learner, school prefect and committed member of the Roman Catholic Church during her school days.
Tshuma attended Dingumuzi Primary School in Plumtree from Grade One to Seven, completing her primary education in 2006. She proceeded to Empandeni High School, on the outskirts of Plumtree, where she studied from Form One to Six, finishing in 2012.
She later trained as a nurse.
However, almost a decade after completing her secondary education, Tshuma is now facing allegations of fraud, with some former classmates expressing shock and disappointment over the claims.
One former classmate, who requested anonymity, recalled her as a disciplined learner who maintained a respectable image at school.
“I remember her as a very quiet person who was well uptight. She was just too a good character. She was also an alter server, always clean.
“She was a well behaved someone something that earned her to be a prefect showing the school saw something good out of her,” said the source.
Another former schoolmate said the allegations were particularly painful because of how long she had known Tshuma.
“I know since her early childhood days up to the time at school. She did athletics, was a well behaved student and l remember she really wanted to a Sister at the Roman Catholic Church which she still attends.
“As someone l have known, it pains me to hear these allegations. My question is what was she doing with the money. If only it helped his father who needs operations, l would feel pity for her,” said the source.
The former classmates’ accounts paint a picture of a learner they remember fondly, contrasting with the allegations that have now placed the former nurse under scrutiny.
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