In a surprising turn of events, former Little Rock International School bursar Tambudzai Majuru has pleaded guilty to embezzling $289,997 from the institution.
Majuru had initially denied the charges but reversed her plea during the trial, which had already seen three state witnesses testify. She is accused of orchestrating the fraud alongside the school’s executive principal, Chamunorwa Gracious Dahwa, by using fake receipt books to siphon tuition payments from unsuspecting parents.
Her legal counsel informed the court of the plea change, citing overwhelming evidence against her. Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira welcomed the decision, stating that the admission would facilitate justice. The court has postponed the case to Friday for sentencing.
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Meanwhile, Dahwa, 35, has maintained his plea of not guilty and will proceed with trial. He faces charges of fraud and money laundering.
According to the State, between January 2021 and April 2024, Dahwa and Majuru allegedly acquired additional receipt books identical to the official ones used by the school. They reportedly recorded tuition payments in these fraudulent books while underreporting amounts in the legitimate records, diverting the difference for personal gain.
During this period, Dahwa is accused of using the stolen funds to construct a mansion in Seke Village, under Chief Seke, in Dema.
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