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Parents Accuse Banket Primary School Staff of Embezzling Funds for Victoria Falls Trip

Unlawful Money-Changing

Parents and guardians of students at Banket Primary School are expressing outrage after claims surfaced that school staff misappropriated funds raised for a school trip to Victoria Falls in October 2024.

The allegations were revealed during a recent meeting between parents and school officials, where it was reported that teachers involved in the trip had stolen US$3,080, which was meant to cover expenses for 14 students.

In a letter sent to Andrew Matsikiti, the District Schools Inspector for Zvimba, on December 4 and seen by NewsDay, parents accused four school staff members of misusing the funds. The letter states:

“In October 2024, the school advertised an educational tour to Victoria Falls, and parents or guardians were asked to contribute US$220 per student to cover travel, accommodation, meals, and various planned activities. Unfortunately, some parents—around eight—paid the money to four staff members without receiving receipts for the payments.”

The letter continued: “We also learned that only 55 out of 56 students’ payments were properly received by the school bursar. The remaining 14 to 15 students, who were on the trip, did not receive receipts, leading us to believe their funds were misappropriated.”

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The parents further alleged that, during the trip, students were served spoiled food and many of the scheduled activities were cancelled. They also claimed the children were forced to travel nearly 600 kilometers without food on the return trip. Only after more than seven hours did some students, with pocket money, have the opportunity to buy food in Gweru.

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One parent highlighted a discrepancy, saying the bursar was asked to explain why there was a receipt for Venus Hotel accommodation, despite students being booked at Budget Lodges. The bursar reportedly had no clear answer, suggesting it was what the staff had presented.

The parents have called on the School Development Committee to conduct a full investigation and ensure transparency in addressing the issue.

School head Nelson Nzombe confirmed the allegations and stated that an investigation was underway. Matsikiti, the District Schools Inspector, also acknowledged the situation and confirmed that a team had been sent to investigate.

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