Rusape School Head Jailed For Corruption
A Rusape
headmaster who bypassed the tender process and corruptly handpicked a company
to supply computers to his school was in July sentenced to a three-year jail
term after he was found guilty of criminal abuse of office.
Benson
Matare (59) the headmaster of Mabvazuva Primary School will however serve an
effective two years behind bars after magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera set aside
one year on condition of good behavior.
Matare
who was represented by a Harare based lawyer had pleaded not guilty however
overwhelming evidence his was led from his subordinates, School Development
Committee members and Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials.
Matare,
who three years ago was demoted from being Makoni district deputy schools
inspector due a number of scandals, awarded a contract worth $42 837, 00 to Lifemark
Computers Pvt without following tender procedures.
Public
prosecutor Mr Gift Mutigwa told the court that Matare was supposed to source
for competitive quotations from three different suppliers but he showed favour
to Lifemark Computers by hand-picking it.
“Sometime
in October 2017 the parents for students enrolled at Mabvazuva Primary School
resolved to acquire computer laboratory equipment which compromised 40 Thin
Clients computers and nine interactive smart boards complete with projectors.
“Matare
as the headmaster had the mandate to spearhead the process of acquiring the
said equipment. Instead of inviting for three competitive quotations from
different companies to tender for the supply of the equipment for all purchases
above $10 000, (he) unlawfully handpicked and entered into a contract with
Lifemark Computers to supply the computers worth $42 837, 00. This was contrary
or inconsistent with accused’s duties as a public officer.”
Mr
Mutigwa said the offence came to light sometime in April 2018 when numerous
complains of misappropriation of funds at the school were received by the
Makoni District schools inspector Nathaniel Machini.
Meanwhile
Matare has since been granted bail pending appeal of both conviction and
sentence by the High Court.
— Teacher
Magazine Correspondent
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