Rutendo Zivanai, a resident of Damafalls Phase 4 in Ruwa, has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of fraud and violating the Education Act.
The court heard that in March 2024, Zivanai allegedly collected payments from 34 Ordinary Level students, claiming he would register them for examinations at a legitimate ZIMSEC center. However, he failed to follow through on these promises and misappropriated the funds for personal use. Zivanai was operating an unregistered school, Findale Academy, located in Eastview Phase 6, Caledonia.
On October 14, 2024, the students arrived at the examination center, only to discover they had not been registered and were turned away. This prompted the victims to file a police report, leading to Zivanai’s arrest.
The total amount defrauded from the students is reported to be USD 6,908, with no funds recovered. The State is opposing bail for Zivanai, emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations and the impact on the victims. The case continues to unfold as the court proceedings move forward.