News / National
Gift Banda arrested over fake O-level certificate
06 Dec 2024 at 17:03hrs | Views
Former Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) vice-president and interim president Gift Banda was arrested yesterday on allegations of forging an Ordinary Level certificate. The 54-year-old businessman and former Bulawayo councillor spent the night at Western Commonage Police Station assisting police with investigations.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Banda's arrest, stating that he is accused of submitting a falsified certificate purporting to have passed Ordinary Level examinations in 1986 at Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo. However, Zimsec, the examination authority cited in the document, did not exist at the time, as Zimbabwe's national examinations system was introduced in 1996.
Also arrested in connection with the case was Anele Zikhali of Bulawayo, who is alleged to have produced the fake certificate.
The arrest comes as Banda had expressed his intention to contest in the upcoming ZIFA elections scheduled for early next year. One of the eligibility requirements for candidates is the possession of at least five Ordinary Level passes. It is suspected that Banda may have attempted to meet this requirement using the forged certificate.
Comm Nyathi indicated that further details about the arrests would be made available today as investigations progress.
Gift Banda is a well-known figure in Bulawayo, celebrated for his business ventures and passion for luxury cars. His arrest marks a dramatic turn in his bid for leadership within Zimbabwean football and casts uncertainty over his future involvement in ZIFA affairs.
Observers are awaiting further revelations from the ongoing police investigations, which could have significant implications for the forthcoming ZIFA elections and Banda's political and football administration career.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Banda's arrest, stating that he is accused of submitting a falsified certificate purporting to have passed Ordinary Level examinations in 1986 at Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo. However, Zimsec, the examination authority cited in the document, did not exist at the time, as Zimbabwe's national examinations system was introduced in 1996.
Also arrested in connection with the case was Anele Zikhali of Bulawayo, who is alleged to have produced the fake certificate.
Comm Nyathi indicated that further details about the arrests would be made available today as investigations progress.
Gift Banda is a well-known figure in Bulawayo, celebrated for his business ventures and passion for luxury cars. His arrest marks a dramatic turn in his bid for leadership within Zimbabwean football and casts uncertainty over his future involvement in ZIFA affairs.
Observers are awaiting further revelations from the ongoing police investigations, which could have significant implications for the forthcoming ZIFA elections and Banda's political and football administration career.
Source - The Chronicle
