Anglican Bishop Ruwona And Four Others Aquitted Of Fraud

By Elizabeth Kucherera

The state yesterday aquitted Bishop Eric Ruwona of the Manicaland Diocese and several others due to lack of evidence linking him to an alleged fraud case that occured in five Manicaland Anglican schools.

Ruwona and others, namely Walter Majoni, Daphine Mudarikwa, Danisa Muchichwa and Promise Kunyongana were facing charges of fraud.

Regional magistrate Mrs Phathekile Musipa presided over the case.

In a state case led by prosecutors Audrey Mupini and Mr Beaven Murevanhema, it was alleged that Ruwona instructed Anglican schools principals at St Faith’ high school, St Augustine’s, St David’s Bonda and St Mary’s Magdalene to collect a levy called a Mission Fund.

Ruwona allegedly charged an extra amount of US$500 on top of normal fees for all new Form One students and US$750 for Lower Sixth students, thereby allegedly violating the education act.

“There was no evidence linking to Ruwona and four others. Anglican schools are not government schools and parents and guardians must comply with anything that the school wants,” the magistrate said in her ruling.

She also said that according to the Anglican Diocese’s constitution, Ruwona and his cabals were following their rights.

“A levy fee can be also called sports fee just like “Mission fund” fee ” said Mrs Musipa the Rest Magistrate.