Headteacher arrested for swindling K3mn

Police in Dedza have arrested a head teacher for Dedza CCAP Secondary School on allegations that he misappropriated school fees amounting to over K3 million (about $4 668) between January 4 and March 24 this year.

In an interview today, Dedza police deputy spokesperson Cassim Manda identified the suspect as 33 year old Gilbert Phiri of Kafa village in the area of  Chief  Mwanza in Salima

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He said the issue came to light after an audit by the school development committee.

“On March 30, the school committee conducted an audit and discovered that about K3,757,000.00 (about $5 846) was missing.

“When he was asked about the missing amount, Phiri explained that he deposited the money and showed them fake deposit slips,” explained Manda.

According to Manda, after failing to authenticate Phiri’s claims, the committee reported the matter to police.

“After police interrogation, Phiri admitted to have committed the offence. Phiri claims to have used up the whole amount,” added Manda.

Phiri, who has been running the school since 2005, will appear in court soon to answer charges of forgery and theft by servant.