Police Accuse Schools Of Copying Wicknell Chivayo Money Stashing
8 January 2025
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By Dorrothy Moyo | Harare — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has accused schools of mishandling cash in the style of the infamous conduct of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who has come to symbolize the misuse of large sums of unaccounted money.

Chivayo, whose name has become synonymous with failed accountability after receiving $5 million for the country’s non-existent Gwanda Solar Plant, has not delivered a single solar panel in nearly a decade. Instead of cautioning Chivayo for wasting millions on luxury cars while schools remain in darkness, the police have turned their attention to schools, accusing them of “piling stashes of cash” on their premises.

Police Accusations Against Schools

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has issued a strong warning to schools to stop holding large amounts of money on-site. Speaking as schools prepare to reopen next week, Nyathi urged authorities to deposit funds into banks and enhance security measures to avoid armed robberies, which have become increasingly common.

“School authorities should employ guards from reputable security service providers and install CCTV at entry points and administration offices. Above all, they must stop keeping cash on-site,” Nyathi said.

The remarks, however, have ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing the police of unfairly targeting schools while allowing Chivayo’s financial mismanagement to go unchecked.

“Schools Are Being Made Scapegoats”

Critics argue that the police’s focus on schools is misplaced and hypocritical. Schools have been left to manage their finances in difficult circumstances, often without reliable electricity—an issue directly tied to Chivayo’s failure to deliver solar power infrastructure.

“How can the police accuse schools of mishandling cash when the biggest offender, Wicknell Chivayo, is walking free after wasting millions that could have revolutionized energy access for these very institutions?” asked the frustrated education advocate, Wesley Banda.

Chivayo famously spent part of the $5 million payment meant for the Gwanda Solar Plant on a fleet of luxury cars and personal expenses. Activists have called for him to sell these assets to fund solar panels for schools, but no action has been taken against him.

Rising Robberies Amid Systemic Failures

The ZRP’s warning comes amid an increase in armed robberies targeting schools, especially during fee collection periods. Criminals have used guns, machetes, and iron bars to steal cash and valuables from institutions that store money on-site due to limited banking access or infrastructure.

Notable incidents include:
• Bulawayo: $17,280 stolen from a cash box.
• Masvingo: $22,800 stolen by a lone armed robber posing as a parent.
• Ruwa and Gweru: More than $17,500 stolen from two private schools by armed gangs.

While the police have urged schools to adopt electronic payment systems, critics point out that such measures do not address the deeper issue of resource scarcity and unreliable electricity—a gap Chivayo’s solar plant was supposed to fill.

Parallels Between Schools and Chivayo

The comparison between schools and Wicknell Chivayo has sparked outrage. Public commentators have noted that schools, unlike Chivayo, are victims of a broken system, forced to store cash due to a lack of viable alternatives. Chivayo, on the other hand, has become a symbol of squandered opportunity and unaccountable wealth.

“Instead of accusing schools of copying Chivayo’s behavior, the police should be holding him accountable for failing to deliver the solar power that could have prevented these robberies in the first place,” said a parent from Harare.

Public Calls for Accountability

The police’s accusations have drawn criticism from educators, parents, and civil society groups, who are demanding that law enforcement shift its focus back to Chivayo. Many are calling for investigations into how Chivayo was able to misappropriate public funds without facing significant consequences, leaving schools and other public institutions to deal with the fallout.

“For nearly a decade, Chivayo has failed to deliver what he was paid for. If the police want to caution anyone about money management, they should start with him, not schools trying to survive in the system he helped cripple,” said a teacher from Gwanda.

Conclusion

As schools prepare to reopen amid rising crime and mounting financial pressures, the police’s accusations have only added to the frustration of communities struggling to ensure safety and continuity in education. The enduring presence of Chivayo’s unaccountable wealth serves as a stark reminder of systemic failures that leave schools and citizens vulnerable.

For now, the question remains: will the police redirect their focus to the root causes of these issues, or will schools continue to bear the brunt of the blame?