School Director Who Forced Mnangagwa to Pay Exam Fees Faces Court, Bail Hearing Postponed
The director of an unregistered school accused of misappropriating nearly US$7,000 in exam fees — funds later covered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa — appeared in court, with his bail hearing postponed. Rutendo Zivanai, owner of Findale Academy in Eastview, Harare, is alleged to have taken funds from students but failed to register them for their ZIMSEC exams.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges Zivanai promised to register 34 students for their Ordinary Level exams but allegedly kept the money for himself. “Allegations are that Zivanai collected fees in March 2024, assuring parents their children would sit for exams at a certified centre,” explained an NPA spokesperson. However, when the students arrived to take their exams at Primas Academy on October 14, they were told they weren’t registered.
A parent expressed deep frustration, saying, “We were devastated. We paid every cent, but our children couldn’t sit for their exams.” Another added, “This situation is very sad. These children’s future was at stake.”
President Steps In to Help Students Write Exams
After hearing of the incident, President Mnangagwa stepped in and covered the examination fees so that the students could write the remainder of their exams as pirate candidates.
Education Minister Torerai Moyo publicly thanked the President, stating,
“His Excellency’s intervention ensured these students were not entirely robbed of their right to education.”
Minister Moyo also warned about the prevalence of unregistered schools, stating,
“The rise of illegal schools is alarming, and we will be taking strong action. This can’t continue.”
ZIMSEC Chief Executive Lazarus Nembaware confirmed that the students would be allowed to write their exams as “pirate candidates,” and their results would be released as usual.
Court Hearing Delayed
The Herald reports that Zivanai’s bail hearing was postponed, as the prosecution argued that he might interfere with witnesses.
Zivanai’s defence argued that he cooperated with the police and did not attempt to flee, but the court deferred the ruling.
The accused remains in custody, with the bail ruling expected soon.
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The post School Director Who Forced Mnangagwa to Pay ZIMSEC Exam Fees After Stealing US$7000 Students’ Funds Has Bail Postponed appeared first on iHarare News.
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