Bizarre: US$4,000 Cambridge Exam Fee Fraud
13 January 2025
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Harare, Zimbabwe – Cynthia Gambiza, the 49-year-old proprietor of Destiny Achievers College in Glen Forest, Harare, is facing serious allegations of defrauding students and parents of US$4,000 in Cambridge examination fees. Gambiza appeared before Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki last week and was remanded out of custody until today to answer to seven counts of fraud.

How the Fraud Allegedly Unfolded

According to the State’s case, the alleged fraudulent scheme began in January 2021 when Rachel Munhenga enrolled her daughter, Gaumuchirai Matsenga, at Destiny Achievers College. Munhenga was reportedly persuaded to enroll her daughter after being led to believe that the school was a registered examinations center for the prestigious United Kingdom-based Cambridge examinations.

The school heavily advertised its Cambridge examination credentials through social media and billboards, creating a façade of legitimacy. Matsenga attended the school from Form One through Form Four, expecting to sit for the Cambridge Ordinary Level examinations in October-November 2024.

On May 9, 2023, Munhenga paid US$700 in exam registration fees for her daughter. However, to her shock, she received a WhatsApp message from Gambiza on September 26, 2024, informing her that Matsenga had not been registered for the exams. Gambiza cited the absence of a national identity document during registration as the reason, a claim that investigations later revealed to be baseless.

Widespread Fraud Allegations

Investigations into Gambiza’s actions have uncovered similar complaints from other parents and students, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the school’s operations. Prosecutors allege that Gambiza systematically defrauded parents and students under the guise of registering them for Cambridge examinations while pocketing the fees for personal gain.

The total amount defrauded is believed to be US$4,000, with seven separate cases currently under investigation.

Community Outrage

Parents and guardians have expressed outrage over the allegations, with many questioning how the school operated for so long without proper oversight. “This is not just about the money we lost,” said one concerned parent. “It’s about the future of our children who were robbed of the opportunity to write exams that could change their lives.”

The revelations have also sparked wider scrutiny of private schools in Zimbabwe, particularly those claiming affiliations with international examination bodies like Cambridge.

What’s Next?

The case has highlighted potential gaps in the regulation of private educational institutions in Zimbabwe, with calls for stronger oversight to prevent similar incidents. Gambiza is scheduled to return to court today, where she will face further questioning.

State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje is representing the case, emphasizing the need for justice for the affected students and families.

This case serves as a sobering reminder to parents to thoroughly verify the credentials and registration of educational institutions before enrolling their children, especially for internationally recognized programs like Cambridge examinations. Further developments in the case are expected as it continues to unfold.