Masvingo Education Official in Court for Fraudulent US$600 Allowance Claim
MASVINGO – Liniah Chinoda, the Provincial Finance Director for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, was in court on Friday facing allegations of fraudulently claiming US$600 in travel and subsistence allowances for an activity she allegedly did not attend.
Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi presided over the hearing and Chinoda, represented by Yolander Chandata of H Tafa and Associates, was released on bail and remanded to March 19.
The allegations were uncovered following an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
The State outlined that on January 20, 2024, Chinoda, whose responsibilities include ensuring financial accountability within the Ministry, submitted incomplete travel and subsistence claim forms for a Chivi Accounts Verification exercise held in October 2023. However, Chinoda was reportedly attending other activities in Bikita, Gutu and Zaka at the time.
The court heard that Chinoda handed the claim forms to Chivi District Schools Inspector Evershine Ndongwe, who allegedly pressured district accountant Tapiwa Mapindani into including the fraudulent allowance in the funds withdrawn for the exercise.
The total amount withdrawn from the Chivi BSPZ account was US$5,290, which was intended for paying participants, but included Chinoda’s disputed US$600 claim.
Prosecutors further stated that Mapindani initially resisted the payment but faced threats and intimidation from Chinoda and Ndongwe, including suspension and dismissal.
Chinoda is accused of suspending the accountant after his refusal to process the claim.
This case has raised significant concerns over financial ethics and accountability in public office. The trial will continue on March 19.
