Zimsec warns of fake exam papers being circulated

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council has warned of fake examination papers being circulated, with incidents of candidates reportedly expressing shock on discovering that the papers they were being tested on were different from the ones they were sold on the streets.

Zimsec board chairperson Professor Levy Nyagura said in a statement yesterday a number of candidates had been deceived into buying fake examination papers.

"Criminal elements are taking advantage of gullible, unprepared candidates inclined to obtain passes through surreptitious means," he said.

"Security reports highlight an incident where candidates exclaimed that the question papers before them within the examination were not the correct ones, bearing further testimony of the existence of bogus question papers on the market."

Prof Nyagura said Zimsec had caused the arrest of suspects for tampering with examination papers and that this had not disrupted the exams.

He said there would be no re-writes of the examinations.

"The level of distribution of the material under reference has been isolated and no adverse impact on ongoing examinations is expected," said Prof Nyagura.

"Fears by the public over potential subject re-takes are accordingly relayed."

Prof Nyagura said Zimsec had been able to detect associated misconduct early, enabling the containment of the distribution of undesirable material.

"Isolated reports and incidents have to date been identified and individuals implicated in the same decisively apprehended," he said.

"A number of candidates and individuals implicated and identified within the Chitungwiza, Glen View 1 and Budiriro localities have been apprehended by the police and are expected to appear before the courts.

"Charges being preferred against such individuals relate to the possession of material that appears to be related to ongoing examinations."

Prof Nyagura said the detection and apprehension of the people involved was critical in eliminating examination related crimes.

"Candidates are encouraged to remain focused as these vital processes are in their interests," he said.

"Zimsec endeavours to assure valued candidates that their hard work will be rewarded as those who wish to unduly benefit from deceitfulness are and will continue to be identified and weeded out."

Last year, some examinations had to be cancelled after papers were leaked and replacements were set for candidates to rewrite.