Lupane State University Student Arrested For Allegedly Bribing Lecturer To Change Failed Grade
A Lupane State University (LSU) student has been arrested on allegations of attempting to bribe a lecturer to secure a passing grade in a module she allegedly failed.
Sibonokuhle Khumalo appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Taurai Manwere on Tuesday, where she pleaded not guilty to the bribery charge.
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Defence Says Money Was Linked To Tomato Deal
Represented by lawyer Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Law Firm, Khumalo denied ever trying to influence the lecturer’s grading.
The defence argued that Khumalo and the complainant, lecturer Bekezela Chirisa, had known each other for more than five years and had an existing business relationship.
According to the court, Khumalo, who is also a farmer, regularly supplied the lecturer with farm produce, which was paid for in the ordinary course of business.
Her lawyer told the court that Chirisa had paid US$50 for tomatoes in June 2025, but unfavourable weather prevented Khumalo from fulfilling the order. After repeated requests for a refund, Khumalo allegedly returned US$30 through EcoCash.
The defence insisted that the mobile money transfer had nothing to do with university marks or any attempt to obtain favourable treatment.
Prosecution Alleges Student Tried To Influence Lecturer
Prosecutor Veronica Danai Manyuka told the court that Khumalo allegedly visited the lecturer’s office and handed her US$20, suggesting she use the money to buy lunch.
According to the prosecution, the lecturer refused to accept the cash. Shortly afterwards, Khumalo allegedly sent US$30 via EcoCash to the lecturer’s mobile number.
The court heard that before making the transfer, Khumalo had sent the lecturer a WhatsApp message saying she “had no choice” and was pleading her case.
The lecturer allegedly questioned why the money had been sent but received no response. She then instructed Khumalo to collect the transferred funds the following day, with a colleague present as a witness.
Dispute Escalated After Examination Results
The prosecution said tensions escalated after university results showed that Khumalo had failed one of her modules.
Although the university scheduled supplementary examinations for students who had failed, prosecutors said Khumalo did not attend the assessment set for 19 August 2025.
Instead, the State alleges she approached the department chairperson seeking permission to write a separate examination outside the normal process.
The chairperson reportedly instructed the lecturer to prepare the examination, but the lecturer refused. Following the ensuing administrative dispute, the matter was reported to the police, leading to Khumalo’s arrest.
Trial Set To Continue
The case remains before the Bulawayo Regional Court, with both the prosecution and defence expected to continue presenting their evidence when the trial resumes on 31 July.
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