The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission grabbed Emmanuel Hove last Thursday. He runs Dombojena Primary School but took US$1,745 that students paid for exam sign-ups. After his arrest, Magistrate Patricia Gwetsai immediately put the 52-year-old behind bars. Deputy head Kundai Pedzi stumbled upon the theft when she tried to register kids for their tests. She learned something went wrong with the cash that families handed over between January and March.
The parents of 77 children had paid money for these important exams. First, acting deputy Shylet Mpofu collected dollars from each family. She then passed all this cash straight to Hove, as required. Because Dombojena has no testing site, all students must take exams at Railway Block Primary School nearby. Pedzi went there but learned a shocking truth from Railway staff. They said her school never sent any payment for the students at all.
Only 17 pupils under the BEAM aid program had their fees paid correctly. Everyone else missed out despite their parents giving hard-earned money to the school. When people looked deeper into what happened, they found Hove had spent the dollars on himself. He used school exam money for his private business instead of helping students. The missing cash meant many children nearly lost their chance to sit for required tests.
The theft hurt families who trusted the school leader with important payments. These registration fees matter greatly since students cannot graduate without proper exams. Families sacrificed to pay for these tests, believing their children would benefit. Instead, one man's selfish actions almost blocked dozens of young learners from moving forward. His arrest shows what happens when someone takes advantage of their position and the innocent people who depend on them.
The parents of 77 children had paid money for these important exams. First, acting deputy Shylet Mpofu collected dollars from each family. She then passed all this cash straight to Hove, as required. Because Dombojena has no testing site, all students must take exams at Railway Block Primary School nearby. Pedzi went there but learned a shocking truth from Railway staff. They said her school never sent any payment for the students at all.
Only 17 pupils under the BEAM aid program had their fees paid correctly. Everyone else missed out despite their parents giving hard-earned money to the school. When people looked deeper into what happened, they found Hove had spent the dollars on himself. He used school exam money for his private business instead of helping students. The missing cash meant many children nearly lost their chance to sit for required tests.
The theft hurt families who trusted the school leader with important payments. These registration fees matter greatly since students cannot graduate without proper exams. Families sacrificed to pay for these tests, believing their children would benefit. Instead, one man's selfish actions almost blocked dozens of young learners from moving forward. His arrest shows what happens when someone takes advantage of their position and the innocent people who depend on them.
