Sakubva 2 High School head under probe

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

SAKUBVA 2 High School headmaster, Mr Clever Chiturumana is under fire following a slew of allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and sexual harassment.

Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education dispatched a team of investigators and auditors to the school last week in view of the allegations.

“The ministry is aware of the claims of financial mismanagement, procurement irregularities, and abuse of power being levelled against Mr Chiturumana. We have taken the necessary steps by deploying a team to investigate these allegations,” said Mr Gabaza, adding that this came after the ministry had received a damming report against the school.

“A report was filed with our office detailing the accusations. After reviewing the matter, we sent a team to Sakubva 2 High School to conduct investigations. Additionally, since there were financial irregularities mentioned, and we sent auditors to assess the financial state of the school,” said Mr Gabaza.

He said Mr Chiturumana is currently under ‘an investigative audit inspection’.

Mr Gabaza said the allegations painted a picture of gross misconduct and financial mismanagement at the institution, hence the investigation.

Mr Gabaza revealed that the initial investigation into non-financial issues was completed, and his office is now awaiting the submission of the report from the appropriate investigations team.

“We are waiting for the report. The investigation audit inspection, however, is currently underway, and once we have both reports, we will be in a position to make a decision,” he said.

Mr Chiturumana is also accused of assaulting a teacher, Mr Godfrey Chechita at the school in front of students and other teachers.

He has since been charged and a hearing was conducted last week.

“The individual was charged with misconduct after assaulting a teacher at the school, and the hearing took place last week. The hearing was conducted by our head office team, and we are now awaiting the outcome, which will determine either termination or exoneration. The individual was not suspended at the time of the charge, but the matter will be concluded soon,” said Mr Gabaza.

When contacted for comment, Mr Chiturumana confirmed that the ministry officials were conducting their investigations, and referred all questions to the ministry citing protocol.

“I cannot comment on that matter, and therefore I ask you to contact either the Mutare District Schools Inspector or the PED since ministry officials are already seized with the matter,” he said.
A teacher at the school, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrival of the two teams at the school on Monday, conducting their investigations.

“We hope that the findings will lead to meaningful action. He rules through instilling fear and intimidation, and many staff members are afraid to speak out against him. He often boasts about having powerful connections within the ministry, and we just hope that the investigations will be conducted fairly and without any external influence,” said the teacher.

The Manica Post is in possession of a copy of the letter detailing the allegations submitted to the ministry.

The letter was addressed to the PED and copied to Mutare District Schools Inspector, Public Service Commission and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

According to the letter, Mr Chiturumana is being accused of financial impropriety, unprofessional conduct, and harassment of both staff and parents.

“Mr Chiturumana disregards ministry policies on procurement, bypassing the procurement committee and making unilateral financial decisions. Documentation is signed in retrospect, and no proper quotations are obtained before purchases are made.

“He has been accused of sexually harassing female staff, female parents, and female security personnel. Those who reject his advances face victimisation.

“He publicly humiliates teachers in front of students and fosters a toxic work environment. As a result, the school has suffered high staff turnover,” reads part of the letter.

 

Further allegations outlined in the letter include questionable financial transactions, failure to follow due diligence in procurement processes, and the misuse of school funds.

It is alleged that Mr Chiturumana unilaterally hired an expensive auditor for US$1 100, despite two other reputable firms offering the same service for US$500.

“No quotations were obtained for major school expenses, including termite fumigation, furniture procurement, tent hiring, public address system rental, and borehole repairs. Science laboratory renovations were carried out using substandard materials, costing the school US$14 000, despite concerns raised over their suitability.

“He has failed to convene School Development Committee (SDC) meetings as per ministry regulations. He employed three SDC workers without advertising the vacancies, with one of the candidates allegedly having prior access to the interview questions. His personal vehicle is reportedly being fuelled using school funds, despite the school owning a commuter bus. The agriculture project, established through funds raised by teachers and students in May 2022, is under his sole control, with no transparency in financial records or receipts. He allegedly diverted US$5 000 from the school bus levy to construct a fowl run, which remains unused.”