A 19-year-old Form Six student from St James Zongoro High School has appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of unlawful entry and theft.
The student, identified as Martin Chitembwe, is accused of allegedly stealing US$3,202 from the school’s administration offices through what prosecutors described as a calculated deception.
The court heard that he allegedly misled the deputy head, Mrs Marian Masango, into handing over the administration block keys after claiming he had been sent by Reverend Bezel Matikiti.
Once inside, he is accused of entering the clerk’s office and stealing cash from the accounts clerk’s drawer.
Police investigations intensified after the teenager reportedly used part of the money to purchase a black Toyota Lexus, which raised suspicion following a tip-off.
Authorities say they have since impounded the vehicle and recovered US$2,400 of the stolen cash.
Although police allege he initially confessed, Chitembwe later denied the charges in court.
He was remanded out of custody and is expected back in court for trial on April 26.
