adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
THE headmaster of Magwegwe High School in Bulawayo, Pilate Tshuma, has been arrested for allegedly stealing $5,000 from the school coffers. Tshuma, whose age could not be ascertained and is also chairperson of the Mzilikazi District Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe’s committee, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with theft.Prosecutor Caroline Matanga told how on January 25 last year during a harmonised elections workshop at Bulawayo City Hall, Tshuma approached three committee members who were signatories to the bank account claiming he urgently needed a blank cheque to withdraw cash.
The committee members expressed reservations on rushing to sign the cheque outside proper channels but Tshuma insisted on getting their signatures despite the fact that they were busy preparing for the elections.
Tshuma eventually convinced them and got the blank cheque signed. He proceeded to a local bank and allegedly withdrew $5,000 that he diverted for his personal use.
However, Tshuma ran out luck in November 2013 during an audit when it was discovered that there was some money unaccounted for and investigations indicated that Tshuma had withdrawn the $5,000 leading to his arrest.
Bulawayo Magistrate Gladmore Mushove granted him $100 bail. The trial continues on March 21.
Online Reporter