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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
A bursar at Makuzeze Primary School in Mangwe District allegedly stole school funds and burnt record books to conceal the offence.

He allegedly stole a laptop that had payment records from the school administration block.

Salani Sibanda (37) allegedly set on fire two drawers of a cabinet which contained record books including the one in which he receipted the payments he collected, to complete his cover-up.

He appeared on initial remand before Plumtree magistrate, Mr Livard Philemon facing fraud, theft and malicious damage to property charges.

He was remanded in custody to today.

Sibanda is suspected to have issued 91 receipts with a value of $1 820 and diverted the money to his personal use.

The matter came to light following an audit.

Prosecuting, Mrs Rose Sibanda said Salani committed the offences between September 21 and November 4.

She said receipts with a value of $180 had so far been recovered from pupils.

“Salani who works at Makuzeze Primary School received payment for school fees, receipted the money but didn’t hand over the money to the school authorities.

“The offence came to light after an audit which led to an investigation into the matter. So far 12 receipts valued at $180 have been recovered from school pupils. More receipts are expected to be recovered as Salani is suspected to have issued 91 receipts with the value of $1 820 and converted the money to his personal use,” she said.

Mrs Sibanda said Salani is suspected to have dumped the laptop which he had stolen behind the school administration block three days later.

“Police managed to recover 12 receipts which were issued by Salani from pupils and a cash analysis register indicating the cash which he had handed over to the school authority. The money in the cash analysis register and the money receipted don’t tally,” she said.

@DubeMatutu