Chronicle Editor
THE integrity of public examinations must be protected from corrupt elements who have in the past used all sorts of strategies to compromise them for selfish benefit.
Our sister paper the Sunday News yesterday reported that last year, 11 exam papers leaked while more than 100 people were convicted for having pre-access to the papers.
Among the convicted, the publication reported, were school headmasters, teachers, police officers and learners.
It is against this background that we welcome new regulations to curb cheating whereby individuals convicted of leaking public examination question papers risk spending nine years in prison, while learners found guilty of the same offence will have their results nullified.
The penalties are part of measures introduced by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) to prevent exam paper leakages ahead of the commencement of public examinations today when Grade Seven learners sit their first test.
Ordinary and Advanced Level learners will begin sitting practical examinations early next month.
Previously, those found guilty of similar offences faced up to a year in jail.
However, the courts prescribed community service for most culprits.
Zimsec board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje said the new regulations will be gazetted soon.
“We have been working on new regulations meant to curb leakages of the question papers,” he said.
“We have realised that there are individuals who are taking advantage of the current regulations and making money out of the leakages.
“So, with the help of the Attorney-General, we drafted new regulations that impose stiffer penalties, and they will be gazetted soon.”
Zimsec public relations manager Ms Nicky Dlamini said the new regulations will deter would-be offenders.
“Zimsec processes are already in motion for the upcoming examinations.
“Grade Seven exams start on September 25, and O- and A-level on November 16,” she said.
“Taking a leaf from previous sessions, Zimsec has made changes and advancements to certain processes to try and curb examination malpractices and ensure examination security.
“Integrity systems cannot be fully divulged at this stage as this would defeat the purpose of them being secure.
“Anyone caught with Zimsec papers this time around is given a nine-year prison sentence and there is no community service, because some people were taking advantage of the light sentences imposed by the courts, and that is why we are introducing stiffer penalties.
“They are charged under the Zimsec Act.”
Zimsec will also nullify results of candidates found in possession of question papers prior to the examination and those found to have had pre-access to examination papers. The same action will also be taken for candidates found to have distributed exam papers prior to the tests.
They will only be allowed to write their exams “after four examination sessions”.
New security measures have, however, been introduced to safeguard question papers and answer transcripts during transportation.
Online Reporter