Clergyman to spend eight years in prison for stealing K700,000 GCE exam fees at Matero Boys

A 38-year-old teacher and reverend, Alifasi Banda, has been sentenced to eight years in prison with hard labour after the Lusaka High Court convicted him of stealing more than K700,000 collected from candidates for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations at Matero Boys Secondary School.

Banda, a reverend in the Reformed Church of Zambia, had denied the allegations, claiming he handed over the funds to headteacher Samuel Chiko before travelling to Uganda on March 8, 2025. The court rejected his defence and found him guilty of theft by public servant.

Evidence presented during trial showed that Banda registered 629 candidates and collected payments both in cash and via mobile money.

Witnesses testified that subject fees intended for the Examinations Council of Zambia were paid directly to him. Although there were minor discrepancies in figures, both sides agreed the total exceeded K700,000.

The court held that ECZ subject fees constituted government revenue and that Banda received the money solely because of his official role as guidance teacher.

Digital forensic evidence confirmed WhatsApp messages in which Banda admitted receiving the funds and failing to remit them.

Witnesses also said he told staff the candidates would not sit for exams because payment had not been made — a statement that triggered management’s discovery of the non-payment.

The judge ruled that Banda’s claim of handing over the money was unreliable, noting the purported handover document lacked official letterhead, a stamp and any witness signature.

In mitigation, Banda described himself as a first offender, a breadwinner, father of three and a reverend who had served society for nine years. He pleaded for leniency, saying imprisonment would hardship his family.

But the court cited several aggravating factors, including abuse of public trust, the large amount stolen, the academic risk posed to hundreds of learners and his lack of remorse.

Banda was sentenced to eight years imprisonment with hard labour, effective immediately. He told the court he intends to appeal the conviction and apply for bail pending appeal.

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