ZIFA Presidential Aspirant Gift Banda Arrested Over Forged O-Level Certificate

Gift Banda, an aspiring candidate for the ZIFA presidency, has been arrested for allegedly forging an O-Level certificate, a critical document required for his candidacy.

Banda, aged 54, was detained on Thursday by authorities after being accused of falsifying his academic qualifications. The arrest took place at Western Commonage Police Station, where Banda assisted with investigations.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest. Banda, a former ZIFA vice-president and interim president, faces serious charges of forgery.

The forged certificate allegedly claims that Banda passed his Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exams in 1986. However, Mpopoma High School, where he supposedly attended, only offered Cambridge exams at the time.

This revelation has raised questions about Banda’s academic credentials, as ZIMSEC wasn’t established until 1996. His candidacy for ZIFA president relies on meeting the strict academic requirements set out for candidates.

One such requirement is proof of at least five O-Level passes. It’s suspected that Banda cannot meet this standard, which further complicates his ambitions for the presidency.

As the case unfolds, another individual, Anele Zikhali, was arrested in Bulawayo in connection with the forged certificate. Zikhali is believed to have been involved in producing the counterfeit document.

Banda’s arrest has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s football community. His previous positions within ZIFA and local politics had positioned him as a significant figure.

The scandal surrounding his qualifications adds a layer of controversy to the upcoming ZIFA elections. Banda had hoped to lead Zimbabwe’s football body in the elections scheduled for early next year.

With his credibility now in question, the public and other presidential hopefuls are closely watching how this case will impact the race for leadership within the association.

In addition to his ZIFA role, Banda also served as a former Bulawayo councillor and deputy mayor, roles that gave him considerable political prominence. However, this arrest tarnishes his public image.

The forged certificate’s origins are still under investigation, and authorities are determining how many other individuals may be involved in similar fraudulent activities. The case is likely to bring additional scrutiny to Zimbabwe’s election processes.

With the arrest of Banda and Zikhali, the legal process will now determine the severity of the charges. Both men are expected to face a full legal investigation in the coming weeks.

The ZIFA presidential election is just around the corner, and this incident has only added a layer of intrigue and drama to the already complex electoral race.