Crimes and Courts
Mutare – The High Court has overturned the deregistration of Sakubva Commercial College in Mutare, following a cheating scandal where a teacher was caught writing a mathematics examination for two students.
The ruling comes as Zimbabwe tightens penalties for exam malpractice through the newly gazetted Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Amendment Bill, which proposes jail terms of up to five years for offenders.
Cheating Scandal Rocks Examination System
The scandal erupted after a teacher at Sakubva Commercial College was discovered completing the ZIMSEC Mathematics exam on behalf of two candidates.
Under ZIMSEC regulations, such malpractices can lead to severe consequences, including the suspension of the institution.
“The High Court has set aside the deregistration, but the case highlights systemic issues in our examination system,” said a legal representative familiar with the matter.
“The new Bill aims to curb such violations with stricter penalties.”
New Law to Punish Cheats, Protect Exam Integrity
The ZIMSEC Amendment Bill, now awaiting parliamentary debate, introduces harsh penalties for examination fraud, including:
- Up to five years imprisonment for individuals involved in cheating, forgery, or impersonation.
- Financial penalties for institutions implicated in widespread malpractice.
- Mandatory suspension of schools where half the candidates breach exam regulations.
“Any person who forges, alters, or falsely claims an exam result shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment,” states Clause Eight of the Bill.
ZIMSEC Struggles with Rising Malpractices
ZIMSEC has faced increasing cases of exam leaks, cheating, and impersonation in recent years. The council defines malpractice as any act that “undermines the integrity of an examination” and gives candidates an “unwarranted advantage.”
“Examination malpractice is a serious crime that erodes the credibility of our education system,” said a ZIMSEC official who preferred anonymity.
“The new law will serve as a deterrent.”
Sakubva College’s Reputation at Stake
While the High Court’s decision allows Sakubva Commercial College to remain operational, the scandal has raised concerns about the institution’s credibility.
“Parents and students expect fairness in examinations,” said a Mutare-based education advocate.
“If schools and teachers are involved in cheating, it damages trust in the entire system.”
As Zimbabwe moves to enforce stricter exam regulations, stakeholders are watching to see whether the new measures will restore confidence in ZIMSEC’s integrity.
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