Gift Banda Hires Magaya’s Lawyer To Fight O Level Police Case – Eduzim News

Granted Bail Amid Allegations of Forged O-Level Certificate

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – December 6, 2024

By Dorrothy Moyo | Former ZIFA vice president Gift Banda, 54, was granted US$500 bail yesterday in a case involving allegations of forging an O-Level certificate. The Western Commonage regional magistrate, Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze, granted Banda bail under the conditions that he does not interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations and that he resides at his listed address. The case has been adjourned to January 3, 2025.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, Banda appeared cheerful and confident, dressed in designer attire as he entered the courtroom. During the proceedings, the magistrate briefly paused to question why Banda was in leg irons despite voluntarily turning himself in. “Why is he in leg irons? Do you have a key? Remove those,” Msipa-Marondedze instructed prison guards, who complied.

Banda, a prominent businessman known for his collection of luxury supercars and his former role as Bulawayo’s deputy mayor, pleaded not guilty through his lawyer, Everson Chatambudza of Rubaya and Chatambudza.

Chatambudza argued that there were no compelling reasons to deny Banda bail, emphasizing that Banda had acted responsibly upon learning of the police’s interest in the case. “He learned through social media platforms that the police were keen on interviewing him on allegations of forgery. As a responsible citizen, he went to the police and handed himself over,” Chatambudza told the court.

The lawyer also highlighted Banda’s family ties, stating he has nine children, most of whom are under 18, and substantial assets that make absconding unlikely. Chatambudza further suggested that the charge of forgery lacks merit, proposing that the matter might be more appropriately categorized as fraud.

According to the State, Banda allegedly forged an O-Level examination slip in October 2024, claiming to have written examinations in November 1986 under a specific candidate and center number. The results were later confirmed to belong to another individual, Sino Gumbo.

State prosecutor Milton Moyo alleged that Banda contacted the acting headmistress of Mpopoma High School, Sihle Sibanda, claiming he had obtained his results from the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) after losing his original slip. When the school records could not confirm Banda’s results, he allegedly produced a slip he claimed to have found in his personal archives. However, verification reportedly revealed that the document was forged.

Chatambudza questioned the plausibility of the State’s allegations, pointing out inconsistencies and arguing that the lack of an identification number on the slip opens the possibility of mistaken identity. “This story does not hold any water. Why would someone go to their former school to tender a result slip? There could be numerous other people with that same name who could be owners of the document,” he argued.

The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly because Banda has expressed interest in running for a top position in the ZIFA executive committee. His arrest, along with the ongoing investigations into his qualifications, has sparked debate over accountability and the integrity of leadership candidates in Zimbabwe’s sports administration.

Meanwhile, questions have been raised about other high-profile figures, including controversial religious leader Walter Magaya, who is facing similar scrutiny over his claimed O-Level qualifications. Magaya has not been formally charged or arrested but remains under investigation, intensifying public interest in the matter.

As the case unfolds, Banda’s legal team remains optimistic, describing the evidence against him as weak. The court proceedings are set to resume in January, with further revelations expected.

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