Chiredzi Headmaster And Deputy Jailed For Exploiting BEAM Program

A Chiredzi headmaster and his deputy have been jailed after they smuggled their children into the BEAM program without following due process.

The two, who are the leaders of a secondary school in Chiredzi, were convicted by the Triangle Magistates’ Court of criminal abuse of duty.

Chiredzi Headmaster And His Deputy Jailed For Abusing BEAM Program

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reported that someone privy to the school’s activities anonymously tipped the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) off to how the school leaders were abusing the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) program.

“The Criminal Investigation Department from Triangle received an anonymous letter to the effect that the accused persons included their children in the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) program without following due procedure. Investigations were conducted, leading to the arrest of the accused persons. The accused persons each benefitted USD120 for the year 2022 as a result of the offence,” the NPA said.

Chiredzi Headmaster Jailed BEAM — *Chiredzi Headmaster And Deputy Jailed For Exploiting BEAM Program [Image: Vecteezy]*

After finding the Chiredzi headmaster and his deputy head guilty of criminal abuse of duty, a Triangle magistrate convicted the two to 20 months each in jail.

“They were both convicted and sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, of which 6 months were suspended for 5 years. A further two months [were] suspended on condition that the accused persons pay restitution to the Social Services Department. The remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that the accused persons perform 420 hours of community service,” the prosecuting authority added.

The Fees Payment Program

The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) is a Zimbabwe government initiative to provide educational support to vulnerable children. The government launched BEAM in 2001 to assist children aged 6 to 19 by covering school fees, levies, and examination fees for primary and secondary education.

ALSO READ: Government Rages At Schools For Sending Pupils To The Grounds During End-Of-Term Exams Over Fees

BEAM aims to reduce the number of children dropping out of school due to economic hardships. The program primarily targets orphans and children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It operates across all 61 districts in Zimbabwe, covering both urban and rural areas.

The post Chiredzi Headmaster And Deputy Jailed For Exploiting BEAM Program appeared first on iHarare News.