By Crime Focus Zimbabwe
Hurungwe, Karoi — Parents and other concerned stakeholders over developments at Zebra Downs Primary School in Hurungwe, Karoi, are calling for an independent and comprehensive investigation into the management of the school and funds reportedly collected at the school.
According to some parents, the school has been operating for more than 20 years, but they claim that it has not made significant progress in terms of infrastructure development and other programmes benefiting learners.
Parents say several AGM meetings have been held, but allege that on some occasions they have not been provided with clear financial reports showing how the funds collected were used.
Some parents are also said to have requested that an independent auditor be brought in to examine how the school's funds are being managed. However, they claim that, so far, they have not seen such an audit being conducted.
There are also concerns regarding the functioning of the School Development Committee (SDC). Parents allege that they are sometimes not fully involved in meetings or provided with adequate information about their responsibilities and role at the school.
Some parents have further raised concerns about a possible relationship between the way the school is being managed and an individual who is allegedly connected to another employee of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. However, Crime Focus has no independent evidence confirming these allegations and is not stating that anyone has been found guilty of any wrongdoing. The matter requires investigation by the relevant authorities.
PARENTS DEMAND ANSWERS
Parents are calling on the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, together with other institutions responsible for education and public funds, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into:
- the management of school funds;
- financial reports and AGM records;
- the functioning of the SDC;
- projects carried out at the school and the funds spent on them;
- and parents' concerns regarding the management of the school.
If there has been any financial mismanagement or improper handling of funds, parents say they want the matter investigated and accountability to be demonstrated publicly.
Crime Focus encourages parents to keep documents, receipts, meeting minutes and any other evidence that may assist in the investigation of the matter.
IMPORTANT: These allegations do not mean that any individuals or school officials have been found guilty of wrongdoing. Those facing allegations must be given an opportunity to respond, and the truth should be established through an independent investigation.
Crime Focus — Prevent. Protect. Prevail.
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