The humdrum of an ordinary school day at Sojini Secondary School in Mbembesi was abruptly shattered when a routine audit uncovered a financial discrepancy that would soon send shockwaves through the entire community. It all began when school chairman Arnold Nombembe, sifting through documents in the dimly lit bursar’s office, stumbled upon a withdrawal slip that bore his own signature—except, he hadn’t signed it.
His pulse quickened. The slip authorized the withdrawal of US$1,220 from the school’s bank account at Stanbic Bank. With mounting suspicion, Nombembe clutched the slip tighter, his mind racing through the possible explanations. Could this be a clerical error, or was something far more sinister at play?
The answer would soon emerge, leading straight to the school’s headmaster, Themba Nyoni, who now stands accused of forging Nombembe’s signature. What followed was a whirlwind of investigations, culminating in Nyoni’s appearance in court on Thursday. But as the trial unfolds, the burning question remains: Did the headmaster truly steal, or is there another story waiting to be told?
As the pieces of this puzzling scandal come together, the community of Mbembesi watches closely, eager for the truth.
Did This Headmaster Steal? Sojini Secondary School’s Themba Nyoni in Court Over Forgery Allegations.
Mbembesi, Matabeleland North — February 22, 2025
The headmaster of Sojini Secondary School, Themba Nyoni, appeared in court on Thursday facing allegations of forgery and theft involving school funds. Nyoni, aged 53, is accused of forging the signature of the school’s chairman, Arnold Nombembe, to withdraw US$1,220 from the school’s bank account.
The court proceedings, held before Bulawayo magistrate Beverly Madzikatire, revealed shocking details as forensic expert Kurauone Madzivanyika testified that Nombembe’s signature on the withdrawal slip was indeed forged. Nyoni has been remanded out of custody until March 6, when the trial will continue.
According to the prosecution, led by Sehliselo Khumalo, the alleged crime took place on November 21, 2023. Nyoni purportedly used the forged signature to withdraw the funds at Stanbic Bank. The discrepancy came to light when Nombembe discovered the questionable withdrawal slip in the school bursar’s office.
“The withdrawal slip was for US$1,220,” Khumalo told the court, highlighting the gravity of the allegations.
This is not the first time Nyoni has been embroiled in controversy. Back in 2018, he faced legal action amid accusations of bullying and publicly berating teachers, even labeling them as “useless.” His leadership style was reportedly a source of friction, with subordinates accusing him of enforcing “draconian” measures at the school.
The critical question now looms: Did Nyoni steal from the school, or is this a case of misunderstanding or sabotage? As the trial progresses, parents, teachers, and the Mbembesi community are eagerly awaiting answers.
Stay tuned as we follow this developing story to uncover the truth behind the alleged forgery.