By MUBITA KATETE
MATERO Police are investigating a case of theft involving a public servant, after a large sum of money intended for the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) was reported stolen from Matero Boys Secondary School.
On March 10, 2025, M’Given Munkanshi, the deputy head teacher at Matero Secondary School, reported that a total of K713, 600 in cash, meant for payment of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination fees, had been stolen together with a Samsung mobile phone valued at K4, 000.The suspect has been identified as Elifas Banda, a teacher at the school and a Reverend at the Reformed Church of Zambia.
Mr Banda is said to have been entrusted with collecting the GCE fees from students but after collecting a whopping K713, 000, the teacher cum Reverend thought he had won a jackpot and disappeared with the loot.
According to initial investigations, Banda, who serves as the school’s guidance teacher, had planned to drop off his office keys with the night guard for safekeeping.
However, instead of following his instructions to give them to his assistant, Ms. Rosette Mulambwa, the night guard handed the keys to the deputy head teacher, Munkanshi, who later reported the incident to the authorities.In a turn of events, the suspect sent a text message to his assistant later that night, confessing he had helped himself to the money.“The suspect’s actions have left us shocked,” said Rae Hamoonga, Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamooga. “The stolen funds were meant to support the education of our children, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”A formal investigation has since been launched, and a docket has been opened as the police continue their inquiries into the matter.
Meanwhile, Dr. Aaron Chansa, president of the National Action for Quality Education (NAQEZ, has expressed sadness over the development and stated that if the teacher was found guilty, the law should take its course.
“We would like the due disciplinary process to be followed because there are procedures that need to be done. However, since this is now a criminal matter, we urge the police to handle it swiftly,” he added.He also appealed to school authorities not to allow teachers to handle cash, as it was not safe for them to keep such large amounts of money, suggesting that schools should find alternative ways to securely and manage funds. He urged teachers to avoid handling money that did not belong to them, particularly money coming from GCE candidates.
“This is a very unfortunate situation, and we hope the teacher has not fled and will return the money to avoid further trouble.
This should serve as a lesson to other teachers who handle cash they must stay completely away from tampering with the money,” he said. “We do not want teachers to become involved in such matters.”