Tinotenda Hove – Chiedza Chidaya, 25, has been sentenced by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court for defrauding Detema Secondary School, highlighting a shocking abuse of trust.

Between May 2024 and August 2025, Chidaya, employed as a school clerk, used a discontinued 2018 receipt book to collect USD322 in school fees, which she diverted to her personal use instead of depositing with the bank or school board.

Her deception went further: she received USD2,441 in fees but intentionally recorded only USD556 on the receipt carbon copies, siphoning USD1,885 for herself. The fraudulent scheme came to light during a school audit in July 2025.

Chidaya was sentenced to an effective two-year prison term, sending a stern warning that #CrimeDoesNotPay.