Staff Reporter

An 18-year-old woman from Murisa Park Unity O, Chitungwiza, Shamiso Pretty Bvukure, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for violating the Zimbabwe Examination Act. The Harare Magistrate Court handed down the sentence after it was discovered that Bvukure had forged her Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) results in an attempt to secure employment.

The case surfaced on October 11, 2024, when the Police General Headquarters' recruiting section conducted a routine verification process of applicants’ examination results. During this process, Bvukure’s results slip raised suspicion, and investigators found significant alterations to her grades. Her original results in Mathematics, English Language, Shona, and History were drastically changed Mathematics from a 'U' (ungraded) to a 'C,' English from a 'U' to a 'B,' Shona from an 'E' to an 'A,' and History from a 'U' to an 'A.' Additionally, grades for Combined Science and Commerce, subjects she had not initially taken, were fraudulently added to the slip.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) swiftly took action, underscoring the severity of the crime. In a press statement, they reiterated the importance of upholding the integrity of the education system, warning that tampering with exam results not only undermines the credibility of individual achievements but also impacts society at large. The NPA praised the court’s decision, stating their commitment to ensuring that qualifications remain a true reflection of academic ability.

During sentencing, the magistrate stressed the need for a strong deterrent, citing a rise in similar offenses in the region. Bvukure’s sentence includes 12 months in prison, with six months suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour. The remaining six months were suspended on the condition that she completes 210 hours of community service.