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Thandeka Moyo Court Reporter
MTSHEDE Primary School head in Bulawayo, who once courted controversy after a Grade Zero pupil she had sent home to bring R5 was knocked down by a car, appeared in court on Tuesday for allegedly stealing $3,376.Sothembah Moyo, 50, had to be rescued by anti-riot police from an angry mob of parents and Njube residents who besieged her offices last year after the pupil died on her way home to collect a R5 Valentine’s Day fee.

Bulawayo magistrate Sibongile Msipha granted Moyo $100 bail after she applied for temporary relief saying she was a cooperative suspect who would not interfere with State witnesses.

“I am applying to be remanded on bail as I am cooperative to the police and a person of one fixed residence. I promise to abide by all bail conditions and to report to Nkulumane Police Station every Friday,” she said.

The State alleges that during the period July 2011 to May 2013, Moyo stole $3,376 from the school on separate occasions.  On May 27, 2013 an internal auditor stated that Moyo had received $300 to purchase a wheelbarrow and a bicycle, $600 to purchase and install a siren at the school and $600 to purchase a beast for the speech and prize giving day.

The audit indicated Moyo had diverted $138 meant to refund Bathroom Boutique, failed to acquit $788 and used $800 from the school development committee (SDC) to pay teachers who worked on holiday instead of using vacation fees collected from pupils.

A report was made to the police and Moyo was arrested but nothing was recovered.  Indications are that she has been on suspension since the beginning of third term last year.

Chronicle caught up with angry SDC members led by their chairperson Evans Mbambo outside court who said the school has suffered a lot under Moyo’s leadership.

“This woman has been running this school on her own, doing what she pleases at the expense of development. We want our money from her and we do not care if she is sent to prison.  In 2012 she sent away a Grade Zero pupil for R5 Valentine’s Day fee knowing well that it was against government regulations. The child was fatally hit by a motor vehicle and nothing was done to her,” said Mbambo.

“I think her actions have finally caught up with her and we hope the law will render due justice. We will make sure she repays the money and we will not be threatened as she has already sued the school for defamation of character.”
Moyo would be back in court on April 1.