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Sinokubonga Nkala ,[email protected]

IN a crackdown on unauthorised education, authorities have fined a 49-year-old college owner US$300 for operating an unregistered institution, putting the academic futures of 140-150 students and 9 unsuspecting teachers at risk.

Munyaradzi Marufu (49) had unlawfully established and maintained the college between January 2023 and October 2024 without Government approval.

In Zimbabwe, the Education Act prohibits the establishment, operation, or maintenance of unregistered colleges. The educational institution was structured similarly to a high school, comprising four grade levels from 1 to 4.

Regarding the legal matter, Marufu admitted guilt and received a sentence requiring the payment of a fine.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), in a statement on X said, “Munyaradzi Marufu (49) was arraigned before the Mvuma Magistrates’ Court facing a charge of contravening section 42(1)(a) as read with section 42(3) of the Education Act, Chapter 25:04. This Act prohibits the establishment, operation, or maintenance of unregistered correspondence colleges, independent colleges, and certain advertisements.

“The accused person was charged with unlawfully and illegally establishing, operating, or maintaining an independent college for a reward without being registered or approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. It is alleged that on an unknown date between January 2023 and October 2024, at Lalapanzi, the accused person, Munyaradzi Marufu, unlawfully and illegally established, operated, or maintained “Restoration Academy,” an independent college, without being registered or approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in contravention of the Act. It is also alleged that the college was operating with approximately 140 to 150 students and 9 teachers teaching various subjects. The college is a high school with four classes: Form 1, 2, 3, and 4.

“The accused person pleaded guilty to the charge, was convicted, and sentenced to pay a fine of US$300. In default of payment, a 4-month prison sentence was imposed.”