The School Development Committee (SDC) at Kumalo Primary School in Bulawayo has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the acquittal of headmistress Stella Mhlanga, who had been facing serious allegations of embezzling more than US$12 000 in school funds.
Mhlanga, who was suspended and relieved of her duties in July at the height of the controversy, was cleared last week by Bulawayo magistrate Richard Ramaboea.
The magistrate ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing inconsistencies in testimony, lack of documentation, and an overreliance on assumptions rather than concrete financial evidence.
However, the SDC says the acquittal has left parents and community members “deeply unsettled” and has questioned whether justice was truly served.
In an interview with CITE, some SDC representatives expressed frustration, saying the committee maintains confidence in the justice system but rejects the narrative that the ruling clears the headmistress of responsibility.
“As SDC members, we affirm that we are accountable to the law and respect the justice system’s integrity. We trust in the principles of fairness and impartiality enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution, particularly Section 69(1), which guarantees the right to a fair trial,” said one of the representatives.
They argued the acquittal had been misinterpreted publicly as a vindication when, according to them, it was the result of technical errors by the State.
“Regarding the recent acquittal, we clarify that it resulted from the state’s withdrawal due to procedural issues. Notably, the state failed to provide our statements to the accused’s defense counsel, rendering us incompetent as witnesses,” said the SDC representative.
“This raises questions about the disappearance of crucial evidence and the impact on witness testimony.”
Mhlanga was charged alongside four staff members, two bursars and two teachers, after the SDC flagged irregularities in the school’s financial records earlier this year.
A government-led audit followed, revealing a series of unexplained transactions, missing funds, and alleged personal conversions of levy payments.
According to police reports, the matter came to light during a government bursars’ workshop earlier this year after one bursar, Nomusa Magwaku, was unable to explain discrepancies in her books.
A subsequent inspection at the school uncovered missing amounts, including US$5 108 allegedly unbanked by Mhlanga after collecting US$7 835, US$2 554 unaccounted for by staff member Maiswe, US$502 allegedly mishandled by Magwaku, US$1 091 and US$630 allegedly converted by two other staff members.
The SDC formally reported the matter to the Commercial Crimes Unit.
Despite these documented discrepancies, many of the State’s witnesses reportedly struggled under cross-examination while crucial audit documentation could not be presented in court and some testimony failed to directly link Mhlanga to the missing funds.
Magistrate Ramaboea ruled that the inconsistencies created reasonable doubt, which required the court to acquit all accused persons.
The SDC, however, insists that the collapse of the case reflects procedural failure, not innocence.
“In reality, teachers testified during the school’s internal hearing, addressing longstanding concerns about the headmistress’s conduct, including alleged verbal abuse and mismanagement,” said the representatives.
The representative said despite the acquittal, the headmistress remained responsible for the school’s finances under Zimbabwean law.
“As the chief accounting officer, the headmistress remains accountable for financial irregularities under the Education Act and the Constitution (Section 298). I maintain that the acquittal was a technical victory, not a vindication of merit,” said one of the SDC representatives.
They added that the community still expects accountability given the magnitude of the alleged losses and the legal obligations tied to school governance.
Some parents at the school, who contributed to the development levy at the centre of the controversy, say they feel “betrayed” and fear that without accountability, similar incidents may occur.
The SDC says it will continue pressing for transparency and is reviewing whether any further action can be taken under civil or administrative procedures.
According to the Education Act, school heads are required to maintain accurate financial records, make sure all funds are banked promptly and produce documentation for audits.
Failure to do so may constitute misconduct, even if it does not meet the criminal threshold.