HARARE – Tambudzai Majuru, a 34-year-old former bursar at Littlerock International School in Harare, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for embezzling a staggering US$289,997 in school fees.
The sentence was handed down by Harare Regional Magistrate Donald Ndirowe on Wednesday, following Majuru’s dramatic mid-trial confession to the theft.
Majuru, who hails from Kaseke Village in Dema, was convicted of both theft and money laundering after the court was presented with irrefutable evidence of her systematic misappropriation of funds over a period of more than two years.
The court heard that Majuru orchestrated an elaborate scheme involving parallel receipt books to siphon off the substantial sum between January 1, 2022, and May 2024. In total, she executed 309 fraudulent transactions, diverting tuition fees paid by unsuspecting parents into her own pockets.
While police managed to recover US$150,847 of the stolen funds, a significant portion remains unaccounted for. Majuru allegedly destroyed financial records in an attempt to conceal her crimes, further complicating efforts to recover the full amount.
Harare South Provincial Public Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira, who led the State’s case, presented a compelling argument that ultimately led to Majuru’s conviction and sentencing.
The magistrate initially sentenced Majuru to 10 years behind bars. However, in a move that took into account the recovered funds and her cooperation with the investigation, Magistrate Ndirowe suspended a portion of the sentence. Three years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, and a further three years were suspended on the condition that she repays the remaining stolen amount. This leaves Majuru to serve an effective four years in jail.
Dramatic Confession Turns the Tide
Sources close to the case suggest that Majuru’s decision to confess was influenced by the overwhelming evidence presented against her. The prosecution had meticulously laid out the details of the fraud scheme, leaving Majuru with little room to manoeuvre.
Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira welcomed the plea change, stating that it would significantly aid the course of justice. Majuru’s confession not only admitted her own guilt but also potentially implicated her alleged accomplice, Chamunorwa Gracious Dahwa, the school’s executive principal.
The Scheme Unravelled
According to the State, Majuru and Dahwa allegedly conspired to divert tuition fees paid by parents between January 2021 and April 2024. The duo reportedly acquired extra receipt books, identical to those used by the school, to execute their plan.
The State alleges that fees paid by students were recorded in the fraudulent receipt books, while a lesser amount was recorded in the official school receipt books. The difference was then siphoned off for personal use. During this period, Dahwa is accused of using the stolen funds to build a lavish mansion in Seke Village, under Chief Seke, in Dema.
The complainant in the case is Dr Masimba Phillip Dahwa, the school’s director and founder. He brought the matter to light after discovering discrepancies in the school’s financial records.
Dahwa’s Trial Continues
While Majuru has admitted guilt and been sentenced, Chamunorwa Gracious Dahwa’s trial will continue, as he maintains his plea of not guilty. Dahwa, 35, faces serious charges of fraud and money laundering. His alleged involvement in the scheme has drawn significant attention, particularly given his position as the school’s executive principal.
The State’s case against Dahwa hinges on evidence that he misrepresented the amount of school fees paid by students and converted the difference for personal use. The construction of his lavish mansion in Seke Village is cited as a key example of how the stolen funds were allegedly utilised.
Majuru’s confession is expected to provide further insight into the mechanics of the scheme and the extent of Dahwa’s involvement.
“I Stole US$290,000”
“I stole US$290,000,” Majuru reportedly confessed, a statement that has reverberated throughout the school community and beyond. Her guilty plea is seen as a step towards accountability, though it also raises serious questions about the oversight mechanisms at Littlerock International School that allowed such a brazen scheme to go undetected for so long.
