Headmaster in the dock

Zim Now Writer

Themba Nyoni, the headmaster of Sojini Secondary School in Mbembesi, Matabeleland North, has found himself in hot water after being accused of forging documents to withdraw US$1,220 from school funds.The 53-year-old headmaster allegedly forged the signature of school chairman Arnold Nombembe on a withdrawal slip, which he then used to cash the funds at Stanbic Bank.

Nyoni appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Beverly Madzikatire and was remanded out of custody until March 6 for the continuation of his trial. The State called in forensic expert Kurauone Madzivanyika, who testified that Nombembe's signatures on the withdrawal slip were indeed forged.

Prosecutor Sehliselo Khumalo revealed that Nyoni allegedly committed the offense on November 21, 2023, when he forged Nombembe's signature. The matter only came to light when Nombembe discovered a withdrawal slip bearing his forged signature at the school bursar's office.

This is not Nyoni's first brush with controversy. In 2018, he was taken to court following accusations of bullying and publicly berating teachers, whom he accused of being useless. He reportedly fell out with some subordinates who refused to accept his "draconian" rules.