Professor Eddie Mwenje, the chairperson of ZIMSEC, explained in an interview that they have implemented new measures to prevent leaks.

Now, those caught leaking public exam papers could face up to nine years in prison. Learners involved in this will have their results invalidated. This is a significant increase from the previous punishment of up to one year in jail, which many considered too lenient.

These changes are part of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Amendment Bill, which will be officially announced soon. It updates the 1994 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Act.

Blame Game Between ZIMSEC and Schools

There has been a back-and-forth between ZIMSEC and school authorities, each blaming the other for the leaks. ZIMSEC claims that the leaks occur outside their offices and at schools.

Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC)

In recent years, ZIMSEC and exam centres have struggled with exam paper leaks, sometimes involving teachers and students. There have also been cases of cheating, where individuals attempt to take exams on behalf of others.

Recent Arrests

For the November 2022 exams, over 100 students, as well as several teachers and members of the public, were arrested for alleged involvement in leaks. Some candidates even shared questions on social media.

In a recent court case, a deputy headmaster and an English teacher in Tsholotsho District, Matabeleland North Province, pleaded guilty to criminal abuse of duty for leaking an English exam paper to select candidates at their school.