Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
The director of Findale Academy who allegedly stole Zimsec examination fees meant for 34 Ordinary Level candidates at his unregistered school in Calidonia has appeared in court.
Rutendo Zivanai (35) was facing charges of contravening the Education Act and fraud when he appeared before Harare magistrate, Mr Dennis Mangosi.
The State, led by Mr Rufaro Chonzi, opposed bail arguing that there was overwhelming evidence against Zivanai.
When called to the witness stand, the investigating officer said Zivanai was likely to interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
However, his lawyer told the court that his client handed himself over to the police and did not try to flee.
The matter was deferred to tomorrow for bail ruling.
It is the State’s case that on an unknown date, but sometime in January 2017, Zivanai established a school in Eastview Phase 6, Caledonia, without registering it with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as required by the law.
The school has operated from January 2017 to date.
On a different count, Zivanai misrepresented to students that he had made arrangements for them to sit for their November 2024 examinations at Primas Academy, a registered Zimsec Centre in Mabvuku, Harare.
The court heard that Zivanai, through his school channels, received payments from 34 Ordinary Level candidates. Each paid US$25 as a centre fee and US$24 for examination registration per each subject.
It is alleged that another US$25 was paid for continuous assessment learning activities (CALA). However, Zivanai converted the funds to his personal use.
On October 14, the students went to Primas Academy for their first examination as advised by Zivanai.
However, they were advised that they were not registered.
When the students tried to contact Zivanai for clarity, he was unreachable. This prompted the school head to report the matter to the police.
As a result of Zivanai’s actions, the complainants suffered a total prejudice of US$6 908 and nothing was recovered.
Online Reporter