A 28-year-old school clerk has been sentenced to an effective 10 months in prison after stealing US$2,055 from Dopota Primary School in Dete.
Hezel Nyoni appeared before the Hwange Magistrates' Court facing a theft charge.
The court sentenced her to 26 months in prison, with 16 months suspended on conditions, leaving her to serve 10 months behind bars.
The court heard that the theft was uncovered in June 2026 after school authorities noticed discrepancies in the institution's finances.
On June 5, 2026, Deputy Head Sheba Nkomo went to the school safe at around 8am to withdraw money for banking.
Prosecutors said Nyoni told Nkomo that she had already taken US$1,100 from the safe.
The court heard that Nyoni had allegedly taken the safe keys from Nkomo's office without permission before removing the money.
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Nkomo reported the matter to the school administrator, prompting an internal audit.
An audit conducted on June 8 revealed that a further US$955 was missing. Prosecutors alleged Nyoni had withheld receipts and misappropriated the money.
The total amount stolen was US$2,055.
The matter was reported to police, leading to Nyoni's arrest.
She has since repaid US$600, leaving US$1,455 outstanding.
In passing sentence, the magistrate suspended eight months for five years on condition that Nyoni does not commit a similar offence.
A further eight months was suspended on condition that she pays the outstanding US$1,455 to Dopota Primary School.
She will therefore serve an effective 10 months in prison.
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