Harare School Embezzlement Case

Authorities have arrested senior administrators at Friendship High School in Harare over allegations of embezzling US$84,000 in school funds (image source)

A high-profile embezzlement probe at Friendship High School in Harare has resulted in the arrest of headmaster Tayengwa Christopher Maponga and two former senior administrators over allegations that US$84,000 in school funds was siphoned from the institution. The case, logged at Borrowdale Police Station under CR 03/12/25, has been escalated to the Commercial Crime Division, Northern Region, signalling the seriousness of the suspected financial misconduct.

Maponga was arrested alongside former head Milcah Machi and former deputy head Tendai Kuhudzayi, who has since been suspended by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. A fourth suspect, school bursar Tichaona Kunyenda, is on the run. Investigators say the group is accused of diverting funds and leaving several service providers unpaid, prompting the formal complaint that triggered the investigation.

The matter came to light after Samasave Security Services reported unpaid invoices totalling US$6,050. In a letter dated August 5, 2025, the company accused the school’s leadership of running the institution unprofessionally and warned of legal action if debts remained outstanding. When attempts to recover the funds failed, Samasave escalated the issue to the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe and education authorities.

Preliminary findings indicate irregularities in procurement processes, authorisation of payments and maintenance of financial records. Investigators are reviewing bank statements, supplier contracts and internal approval systems to trace the flow of funds and determine whether public resources were misused. The Commercial Crime Division is also examining possible breaches of tendering rules and instances where funds may have been diverted for personal benefit.

In response to the arrests, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has suspended Kuhudzayi and initiated a wider audit of financial controls across public schools. Officials emphasised the need for stronger oversight, transparent procurement procedures and adherence to financial management guidelines to safeguard limited education resources.

Parents and community members have expressed deep concern, saying the alleged mismanagement undermines confidence in school administration and deprives learners of essential support. Civil-society groups have called for an impartial investigation, accountability for any wrongdoing and broader reforms such as external audits, enhanced bursar training and improved channels for suppliers to report non-payment.

Legal experts note that the case presents a significant test of Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption framework and its ability to manage complex financial crimes. If convicted, the accused face severe penalties under laws governing fraud, theft and abuse of public office. The situation also raises important questions about governance standards in public institutions.

Maponga, Machi and Kuhudzayi are expected to appear in court as authorities finalise charges. Education officials have pledged full cooperation with investigators and assured stakeholders that measures will be taken to restore trust in the management of public schools. The outcome of the investigation is being closely monitored by parents, educators and anti-corruption advocates.