Gift Banda Arrested Over Forged “O” Level Certificate: ZIFA Scandal Unfolds

Gift Banda, a Vice Presidential candidate for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), has been arrested by the police in Bulawayo over the alleged use of a forged “O” Level certificate to file his nomination papers for the ZIFA elections.

The police are also investigating Prophet Walter Magaya, who is accused of using a similar forged certificate, along with a counterfeit Diploma in Marketing. Both documents are believed to have been issued by the same individual who forged Banda’s certificate, adding to the controversy surrounding the case.

The alleged forger, Anele Zikhali, is currently in custody at Pumula Police Station. Banda is detained at West Commonage Police Station. Investigations have revealed that Magaya made payments to Zikhali in three installments of US$500 each, while Banda is also linked to a transaction involving US$500 for the forged certificate.

The investigation has also led to the arrest of the headmistress of Mpopoma High School. Authorities believe she helped Banda steal another student’s certificate, originally issued by Cambridge in 1986. It is alleged that the headmistress worked with Banda to confirm the certificate’s legitimacy when inquiries were made, ensuring its authenticity appeared valid.

ZIMSEC (Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council) has since confirmed that the certificates in question are fake. The police are expected to travel to Harare to interview Magaya as the investigation continues.

This scandal has raised serious concerns about the integrity of individuals seeking leadership positions within Zimbabwe’s football administration and the lengths they may go to bypass official requirements. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.