By Antony Chawagarira

MASVINGO – THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Shylette Mhike, the Provincial Education Director (PED) for Masvingo, on charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.

Mhike operates under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which is responsible for the governance and administration of educational institutions in Zimbabwe.

The Ministry oversees the implementation of educational policies and the management of resources allocated to schools, making the integrity of its officials paramount.

The charges against Mhike relate to allegations of criminal abuse of duty, which typically involves misusing her official position for personal gain or to benefit others improperly.

According to the Public Service Commission (PSC) code of conduct, public officers are expected to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in their roles. The code explicitly prohibits actions that undermine public trust, including:

– Misuse of Office: Engaging in activities that exploit one’s position for unauthorised benefits;

– Corruption: Participating in corrupt practices or facilitating corruption within the public sector; and

– Fraud: Conducting fraudulent activities that compromise the ethical standards of public service.

Mhike has appeared in the Masvingo Magistrates Court and has been remanded out of custody on bail set at US$200, with a next court appearance scheduled for March 19, 2025.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption within Zimbabwe’s public institutions and the importance of accountability among public officials.