Insukamini Primary parents face property seizure, imprisonment over unpaid school fees

Parents at Insukamini Primary School in Bulawayo say they are living in fear of losing their property after receiving letters of demand over outstanding school fees and levies.

The letters, dated 22 July 2026, are from a debt recovery firm, Legal Wise International Debt Recovery Unit.

In the letter, the firm says it is mandated to recover debts through the Magistrates’ Courts and the Messengers of Court in Zimbabwe.

“We are instructed by our above-named client to institute Legal Proceedings against you to the sum of $… This is in respect of School Fees and Levy for…” reads part of the letter.

The letter states that the amount demanded is inclusive of legal costs and collection fees.

Parents are given seven days to pay, failing which the company says it will institute legal proceedings.

“If you don’t make payment of the above amount within seven days upon receiving this letter, we are going ahead to institute Legal Proceedings against you,” the letter warns.

“This will lead to escalation of costs and Warrant of Execution against your Property or Summons for Civil Imprisonment against you in terms of Civil Court claims procedures.”

The letter says all payments should be made at the school to a Legal Wise agent and the school bursar.

One parent, speaking on condition of anonymity, told CITE that she received the letters through her children without first being called to discuss the alleged debt with the school.

“My two children came with these letters at home. The school didn’t even summon us for any meeting at the school,” she said.

“They said they will take our property. They even sent the letters to our mobile phones.

“We didn’t sign anything. Even the vehicles at the school premises have property. Our children were given these letters before school closed.

“Some parents were given the letters during the consultation day.”

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s director of communications and advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said there was nothing wrong with using debt collectors to recover outstanding fees.

“It’s a civil matter. If you pay your fees, you don’t attract trouble,” Ndoro said.