News / National
Man convicted for impersonating candidate in Zimsec exam
04 Jun 2025 at 18:26hrs | Views
A 20-year-old man from Zvishavane has been convicted for impersonating another candidate during a Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exam, in a case that has raised alarm over exam malpractice and identity fraud in the education sector.
Fidelis Chipungu was found guilty by the Zvishavane Magistrates' Court after posing as Hilton Malunga to write the ZIMSEC Mathematics Paper 1 at George Chipadza Secondary School on 26 May 2025.
According to court records, Chipungu used Malunga's national identity card to gain unauthorized access to the examination room, successfully sitting for the paper under the false identity.
The fraud came to light shortly after the exam ended, when school officials summoned Chipungu to the Deputy Headmaster's office for questioning. Under pressure, he confessed to the offence. The exam invigilator promptly reported the matter to the police, leading to Chipungu's arrest.
Magistrate [Insert Name] sentenced Chipungu to two months in prison, but the sentence was wholly suspended on the condition that he performs 70 hours of community service.
In delivering judgment, the court noted the seriousness of the offence and its potential to undermine the credibility of national examinations, but also considered Chipungu's age and early admission of guilt.
ZIMSEC has not yet commented on the specific case but has previously warned against examination fraud, stressing that those caught engaging in such acts would face criminal prosecution and possible nullification of results.
Education stakeholders have expressed concern over increasing cases of exam-related dishonesty, urging schools, parents, and communities to instill integrity and responsibility in students.
Fidelis Chipungu was found guilty by the Zvishavane Magistrates' Court after posing as Hilton Malunga to write the ZIMSEC Mathematics Paper 1 at George Chipadza Secondary School on 26 May 2025.
According to court records, Chipungu used Malunga's national identity card to gain unauthorized access to the examination room, successfully sitting for the paper under the false identity.
The fraud came to light shortly after the exam ended, when school officials summoned Chipungu to the Deputy Headmaster's office for questioning. Under pressure, he confessed to the offence. The exam invigilator promptly reported the matter to the police, leading to Chipungu's arrest.
Magistrate [Insert Name] sentenced Chipungu to two months in prison, but the sentence was wholly suspended on the condition that he performs 70 hours of community service.
In delivering judgment, the court noted the seriousness of the offence and its potential to undermine the credibility of national examinations, but also considered Chipungu's age and early admission of guilt.
ZIMSEC has not yet commented on the specific case but has previously warned against examination fraud, stressing that those caught engaging in such acts would face criminal prosecution and possible nullification of results.
Education stakeholders have expressed concern over increasing cases of exam-related dishonesty, urging schools, parents, and communities to instill integrity and responsibility in students.
Source - online
