The headmaster of Munyoro Secondary School in Mutare District, Gayford Duru, is under investigation by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education over alleged misconduct after he is said to have unilaterally changed the school uniform and then monopolised the sale of the new fabric at inflated prices, forcing parents to buy directly from him.
The move has sparked outrage among parents and the wider community, who accuse him of exploiting his position for personal gain. The headmaster is also facing allegations of misusing school property.
Reports claim he diverted the school’s kombi to transport bricks for a private construction project, further fuelling anger and suspicion.
Manicaland Province’s Chief Director of Primary and Secondary Education, Richard Gabaza, told The Manica Post that the ministry had launched an investigation into the matter.
He said the alleged conduct undermines the principles of good corporate governance and cannot be tolerated within the education system.
“It (alleged conduct) is against the principles of sound school governance, which epitomise a high sense of responsibility, accountability, integrity, transparency and sustainable community engagement,” said Gabaza.
In an official report submitted to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, parents accuse the headmaster of unilaterally introducing a compulsory new school uniform without consulting stakeholders.
He is alleged to have positioned himself as the sole supplier of the new fabric, forcing parents to buy directly from him at inflated prices or risk their children being excluded from classes.
The report claims the school is experiencing rising fees, hidden charges and “financial inflation”, with no visible improvement in infrastructure or learning materials.
Parents question the use of funds, saying there has been little to no development despite increased costs.
A newly purchased kombi is alleged to be unnecessary because the school already has a working bus.
The headmaster is accused of using the kombi for personal purposes, including transporting bricks for a private construction project, with parents claiming to have video evidence.
He is also accused of routinely failing to report for duty, leading to disorder, weak supervision, increased truancy and indiscipline among learners.
The school is reportedly facing a surge in thefts and robberies, which parents say the headmaster has failed to report to police or the ministry.
Community members suspect possible complicity or benefit due to his refusal to act on reported crimes.
Parents describe the situation as abuse of office, financial misconduct and neglect of duty, undermining the school’s academic and moral standards.
The community has called for an independent forensic audit into school finances, uniform sales and procurement of the kombi.
They are also demanding a suspension of the compulsory uniform policy and the appointment of an interim administrator to restore order while investigations continue.
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