Harare City Council’s Chairperson for Work and Town Planning, Councillor Takudzwa Dzumbunu, was fined US$300 or given a six-month prison sentence after she falsely claimed to have a degree during her testimony before a Commission of Inquiry.
Dzumbunu had initially stated that she possessed a bachelor’s degree, but later admitted that she failed a course and never completed her degree. When questioned, Dzumbunu revealed that she had planned to present her degree certificates but was unable to do so because she had not graduated. She expressed regret for misleading the Commission, explaining that she had hoped to obtain the certificates, but that was not possible due to her academic failure.
“I thought I could get the certificates, but I failed one course and did not graduate,” Dzumbunu admitted. “I apologize for misleading the Commission. I should have simply stated that I hadn’t completed my degree yet.”
Justice Maphios Cheda, the retired High Court Judge presiding over the case, called Dzumbunu’s actions a serious offense. He emphasized that such dishonesty undermines the integrity of public inquiries and that the penalty was intended to act as a deterrent to others considering similar deceitful behavior.
“You misled us, and that alone is punishable,” Justice Cheda said, adding that the Commission, set up by President Mnangagwa to investigate Harare City Council’s operations, relied on factual evidence. “It’s embarrassing that you appeared without the relevant qualifications after claiming to have them. This may have even affected your employment.”
The court ruled that Dzumbunu would face either a fine of US$300 or six months in prison, with the prison sentence suspended for five years, provided she does not commit similar offenses in the future.
“This sentence is intended to teach you a lesson,” Justice Cheda remarked, stressing that it would serve as a lasting consequence.
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