SDC secretary in Form One places scam
MUTARE Girls’ High School Development Committee secretary, Paul Muhabe, is embroiled in a Form One places scam in which he allegedly demanded amounts ranging from US$150 to US$450 from parents intending to enroll their children at the institution.
The issue came to light when 12 irate parents approached the school authorities in search for answers early this week after Muhabe failed to deliver on his pledge.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed that Muhabe is being probed in connection with the matter.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said theft of trust property as well as fraud charges have been preferred against Muhabe.
“Paul Muhabe is being investigated in connection with the matter emanating from various amounts of money that he allegedly collected from parents who were looking for Form One places for their children at Mutare Girls’ High School,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Parents who spoke to The Manica Post on condition of anonymity for fear of failing to secure places for their children at the school complained bitterly about the SDC secretary’s conduct.
One parent said:“I gave him US$250 after he promised me that he would secure a Form One place for my child. I believed he would deliver on his promise, given that he is a member of the school’s SDC.
“However, when schools opened, I discovered that I could have been conned. Together with other parents in a similar situation, we approached the school for answers and the matter was referred to the police.
“I know and understand that as parents, we were wrong in paying the money to him for that service, but one should understand the level of desperation that we find ourselves in when looking for Form One places for our children,”said the parent.
It is understood that as Muhabe collected the money from parents, he promised to deduct school fees from the different amounts and take the remainder as payment for his efforts.
When contacted for comment, Muhabe first said he was not comfortable talking about the issue over the phone, before promising to visit offices in the company of his lawyer.
“Who brought that issue to your attention? This is an issue I am not comfortable to talk about over the phone. Let me come over to your offices this afternoon and discuss the matter. I will first consult my legal practitioner and will come to your offices with him,” said Muhabe on Tuesday afternoon.
However, he never showed up.
In a separate interview, Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Edward Shumba said the issue is yet to be brought to his attention.
Mr Shumba warned parents against paying bribes for their children’s places in schools.
“These are the things we continuously warn parents against. Places for children in schools are not sought in the streets or bars. School authorities, the headmaster in particular, has the duty to enroll learners,” said Mr Shumba.