HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have arrested two individuals in separate incidents for allegedly attempting to sit for public school examinations on behalf of registered candidates in Buhera and Bulawayo. The arrests, which occurred within two days of each other, underscore the authorities’ ongoing crackdown on academic fraud and impersonation as the 2025 examination season gains momentum across the country.
According to the police, the first case took place on Monday, October 13, at Mukondomi Secondary School in Buhera, where 26-year-old Brighton Chinhenga was caught trying to write a Mathematics Paper 1 examination for another student. The incident, which disrupted the examination session briefly, prompted immediate intervention from school officials who alerted the police. Chinhenga was subsequently taken into custody and charged with impersonation.
Just a day later, on Tuesday, October 14, a similar case was reported in Bulawayo. Officers from ZRP Magwegwe arrested Mavis Phiri, aged 32, after she was discovered writing the Science Paper 1 examination on behalf of her sister at Masotsha High School in Magwegwe North. Like in Buhera, the quick response by invigilators and examination officials helped uncover the attempt before the paper was completed.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed both arrests in a statement issued on Thursday, warning members of the public against engaging in such fraudulent conduct.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Brighton Chinhenga (26) for a case of impersonation which occurred at Mukondomi Secondary School in Buhera on 13 October 2025. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to sit for the Mathematics Paper 1 examination on behalf of another candidate. In a separate incident on 14 October 2025, ZRP Magwegwe arrested Mavis Phiri (32) for a similar offence after she was caught attempting to sit for the Science Paper 1 examination on behalf of her sister at Masotsha High School in Magwegwe North, Bulawayo,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He added that investigations into both cases were underway, with the suspects expected to appear in court soon. The police spokesperson also urged the public to respect the integrity of the national examination system and warned that anyone caught engaging in impersonation or aiding such offences would face the full wrath of the law.
“The ZRP is working closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) to ensure that the ongoing examinations proceed smoothly and free from malpractices. We appeal to parents, guardians, and candidates to desist from acts of dishonesty that compromise the credibility of our education system,” Commissioner Nyathi emphasized.
Education authorities have also weighed in on the arrests, reiterating that examination integrity remains a national priority. A senior ZIMSEC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the organization has tightened security protocols at examination centres, including mandatory ID verification, enhanced invigilation, and closer monitoring of candidates.
“These incidents are unfortunate but not entirely unexpected during this period. We are on high alert and working hand in hand with law enforcement to identify and curb such attempts before they taint the overall credibility of the examination process,” the official said.
Exam fraud and impersonation have been recurring challenges in Zimbabwe’s education sector, especially during the high-stakes O-Level and A-Level sessions. In previous years, several cases were reported involving individuals attempting to use fake identification or pose as registered candidates. Authorities have since intensified surveillance, deploying both police officers and plainclothes monitors to various centres nationwide.
Police Arrest Two in Buhera and Bulawayo for School Examination Impersonation
Members of the public have expressed mixed reactions to the recent arrests, with many applauding the police for acting swiftly. Some, however, have called for stricter penalties to deter would-be offenders.
A teacher in Magwegwe, who declined to be named, said the incident highlighted the pressures many students face during examinations.
“Some candidates and families go to extreme lengths to ensure passing grades. While this doesn’t justify cheating, it points to deeper issues such as exam anxiety, lack of preparation, and misplaced priorities. Strong enforcement should go hand in hand with awareness campaigns,” the teacher said.
Meanwhile, both suspects — Chinhenga and Phiri — remain in police custody pending court appearances. They are likely to be charged under sections of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act dealing with fraud and identity misrepresentation, offences that can attract fines or imprisonment upon conviction.
As the national examinations continue across Zimbabwe, the ZRP has reiterated its commitment to maintaining vigilance and ensuring that the process remains transparent and credible. The police have encouraged communities, teachers, and students to report any suspicious activities related to examinations.
Source- ZBC
