The hearing,
which was expected to take place this week, was anticipated to shed light on
the accusations that have been circulating for several weeks. Mhlanga’s legal
troubles began in February, when allegations emerged that she and four other
staff members had misappropriated a significant amount of school funds.
Parents, who
had been anxiously awaiting the proceedings, will now have to wait even longer.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, through Bulawayo Provincial
Education Director Bernard Mazambani, announced that the hearing had been
suspended due to financial constraints.
“The hearing
was suspended due to financial constraints. A panel was supposed to travel to
Bulawayo for the hearing this past week, but due to financial challenges,
failed to do so. However, the ministry will set another date for her hearing,”
said Mazambani.
The ministry
had initially posted a notice confirming the hearing was scheduled for
Wednesday and Thursday at the school. When it eventually takes place, a panel
appointed by the ministry will preside over the proceedings, reviewing evidence
and hearing testimonies from all relevant parties.
Mhlanga, who
also faces allegations of embezzling school funds, is due to appear in court,
with her case remanded to June 18.
Parents with
children at the school have been vocal in demanding her removal, questioning
why she remains in office while under investigation. Citing the recent
expulsion of a Grade Seven pupil from Robert Tredgold Primary School for
indiscipline, parents have accused the ministry of applying double standards.
In recent
years, several school heads and SDC chairpersons have been arrested for
misappropriating school funds, with pupils ultimately bearing the brunt.
Last year,
Mhlanga was suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. During that time, Deputy
Head Eneles Sibanda was appointed acting head. However, Mhlanga was reinstated
on September 4.
Her
disciplinary hearing, initially scheduled for 29 August 2024, failed to proceed
after the chairperson of the disciplinary committee, Lameck Mudyiwa, failed to
attend for unexplained reasons.
Mhlanga’s
troubled history dates back to 2015, when she was dismissed from Magwegwe
Primary School following protests from concerned parents — an incident that
required intervention from anti-riot police. Chronicle
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