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Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Riot police had to be called in to restrain parents who were demonstrating against Chiredzi Government Secondary School headmistress Mrs Agnes Mudawarima for alleged misappropriation of funds.Students at the school had since the opening of the term in January not had classes as teachers were on an industrial action over unpaid incentives.

School development committee chairman Mr Hosea Revai said the institution was being run like a backyard tuckshop.
“Since August last year, when a new SDC, which I am chairman of, was elected, we are yet to be furnished with the school’s financial position

“We don’t even know the bank which they use and worse still the account numbers,” said Mr Revai.
He added that parents intervened after realising that things could not carry on as they were as teachers were no longer attending classes.
Mrs Mudawarima refused to speak to The Herald, referring all questions to the district education officer.

Parents demanded to speak to the headmistress, who locked herself in her office, insisting she was not allowed to speak to the Press.
Chiredzi district education officer Mr Asaniel Chauke rescued her from the parents’ wrath by apologising and assuring them of an investigation into the matter.

“Dear parents, we the Ministry of Education, are very sorry for what is happening at this school. The ministry, however, assures you that everything is under control as we are launching an investigation into the allegations,” said Mr Chauke.

Riot police had to intervene to stop parents who were charging towards the headmistress’ office. Mrs Mudawarima refused to speak to The Herald, referring all questions to the district education officer

“I am not allowed to talk to the Press. You can talk to the DEO who is here,” said Mrs Mudawarima.
Mr Chauke said he received a letter from disgruntled teachers, highlighting alleged inflation of prices of services and goods paid for by the school.

“I have received such a copy of a letter written by teachers at this school. I am going to look into it and resolve this matter,” he said.