A Chaplin High School driver, Davie Maravanyika (58), is facing fraud charges for allegedly inflating the cost of a tractor part.

He reportedly received a verbal quotation of US$35 for the part and US$20 for fitting. However, on January 29, he submitted a quote claiming a total cost of US$355.

When the school’s bursar contacted Gazaet (Pvt) Ltd for payment, the company refused to accept the money, disowning the quotation. A Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigation later revealed that the quotation was never issued by Gazaet and that its serial number did not match the company’s official records.

Maravanyika was arrested on February 27 and appeared in court the following day, represented by Advocate Militao. He was granted US$100 bail and ordered not to interfere with state witnesses, to reside at his given address, and to report to ZACC Gweru every fortnight. His trial is set to begin on March 20.