Ministry Investigates Mutare Headmaster Over Uniform Sales, Alleged Abuse of Office

MUTARE – The headmaster of Munyoro Secondary School in Mutare District, Gayford Duru, is under investigation by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education following allegations of misconduct, including claims that he unilaterally changed the school's uniform and allegedly monopolised the sale of the new fabric at inflated prices.

The allegations have triggered outrage among parents and community members, who accuse the school head of exploiting his position for personal gain while presiding over deteriorating standards of governance at the school. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Manicaland Provincial Director for Primary and Secondary Education, Richard Gabaza, told The Manica Post that the allegations are being taken seriously.

"It (the alleged conduct) is against the principles of sound school governance, which epitomise a high sense of responsibility, accountability, integrity, transparency and sustainable community engagement," said Gabaza.

According to a report submitted by parents to the ministry, Duru allegedly introduced a compulsory new school uniform without consulting parents, the School Development Committee (SDC), or other stakeholders. Parents further allege that the headmaster positioned himself as the sole supplier of the new uniform fabric, forcing families to purchase material directly from him at prices they describe as excessive.

Some parents claim learners risked being excluded from classes if they failed to comply with the new uniform requirements. The allegations have fuelled concerns about transparency and accountability in the school's administration.

Parents also accuse the school administration of imposing rising fees and additional charges without corresponding improvements in infrastructure, teaching resources, or learner welfare.

In their complaint, they allege that school finances lack transparency and have called for an independent forensic audit to establish how funds have been utilised. The report describes what parents call a pattern of "financial inflation" at the institution, arguing that increased costs have not translated into visible development projects.

Another major area of concern centres on a recently acquired school kombi. Parents question the necessity of purchasing the vehicle when the school already owns a functional bus. They further allege that the kombi has been used for private purposes, including transporting bricks for a construction project allegedly linked to the headmaster. Community members claim to possess video evidence supporting the allegations.

The complaint also accuses Duru of regularly absenting himself from duty, resulting in weakened supervision, increased truancy, and deteriorating discipline among learners. Parents further allege that the school has experienced a rise in thefts and robberies, which have not been formally reported to either the police or the education authorities. Some community members have questioned why no official action was taken following reports of criminal activity at the school. The allegations have led to growing calls for stronger oversight and intervention by the ministry.

Parents and community leaders are now demanding:

• An independent forensic audit of school finances.

• An investigation into the sale of school uniforms;

• A review of the procurement process surrounding the kombi purchase.

• Suspension of the compulsory uniform policy;

• The appointment of an interim administrator while investigations are conducted.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has not yet announced when the investigation will be concluded. Duru had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.

The allegations against the headmaster remain under investigation, and no findings have yet been made by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. He is entitled to respond to the claims and remains presumed innocent unless evidence establishes wrongdoing.

Munyoro Secondary School investigation