Published: 4 hours ago

A teacher at St Joseph's High School in Mutare has been arrested in connection with a fraudulent recruitment scheme that allegedly targeted desperate job-seeking and serving teachers by promising them employment and transfers in exchange for cash.

The suspect, Melline Chirinda (40), is accused of posing as a well-connected insider within the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, convincing victims that she could secure teaching posts or facilitate transfers to preferred schools.

She now faces multiple fraud charges after additional complainants came forward, increasing the number of alleged victims to five. Authorities say more cases may still emerge as investigations continue.

Prosecutors allege Chirinda was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) after receiving money from teachers under the false promise that she could influence recruitment and deployment processes.

The scheme reportedly relied on claims that she had access to influential contacts capable of bypassing official hiring procedures.

Education officials have since warned the public that recruitment of teachers is strictly handled through formal government channels and cannot be influenced by individuals.

Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, said the case was unprecedented in the province and urged job seekers to avoid paying for employment opportunities.

"This is the first case we have encountered in the province. We were shocked because teachers are generally known for their integrity and professionalism," he said.

He stressed that recruitment is conducted through structured systems involving district and provincial placement committees together with the Public Service Commission.

"When teachers complete their studies, they register with the Public Service Commission, and it is that database that is used during recruitment and deployment," he said.

Mr Gabaza warned that paying or receiving bribes in recruitment processes is itself a criminal offence and urged the public to verify information through official offices.

Court proceedings heard that the alleged victims were promised jobs or transfers in exchange for so-called facilitation fees.

In one case, a serving teacher allegedly paid US$300 after being promised a transfer to a school closer to her home. In another, a qualified teacher reportedly paid US$600 after being promised employment by September 2024, even selling livestock to raise the money.

Prosecutors further alleged that Chirinda used aliases on social media, including "Ms Martin," to communicate with victims and request personal details while promising imminent placements that never materialised.

Another complainant reportedly lost US$550 after being convinced by assurances of secured employment through the accused's alleged connections.

Authorities say some victims only came forward after seeing earlier reports of the arrest and connecting their experiences to the same suspect.

The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of unemployed teachers, who often face intense competition for limited government posts and may fall prey to individuals offering false hope.

Chirinda remains before the courts, with the matter expected to continue when it returns for trial proceedings on June 17.
- Manica Post

You might also want to read this

• Zimbabwe faces declining male teacher enrolment
• Zimbabwe's teacher shortage crisis worsens
• Zimbabwe's teacher-to-pupil ratio climbs to 1:45
• Zimbabwe to recruit 8,000 teachers