Prophet Walter Magaya potentially facing 20 years in prison for forgery?
HARARE – Prophet Walter Magaya may have landed himself in hot soup in his attempt to contest the recently concluded Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections.
It comes after the football enthusiast is making headlines for the wrong reasons that involve him in serious forgery.
The offense is punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, and it carries a fine, a 20-year prison sentence, or both.
Magaya reportedly submitted a non-existent diploma and a fabricated honorary doctorate to the High Court last week in an effort to stop the ZIFA election following his disqualification in the poll.
He was disqualified for failing to submit an O’ Level certificate, a key requirement for candidates who were vying for the positions of president or vice president.
The Yadah FC president took the matter to the High Court, arguing he deserved to contest because he had higher educational qualifications than the required O’ Level.
These were three diplomas including the fabricated one he claimed he obtained after studying at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
However, UNISA dismissed his claims, stating that he is not their former student and he is not listed in their database.
The institution disclosed this in a letter to UK based Zimbabwean journalist Maynard Manyowa, who sought clarification after rumors emerged questioning the authenticity of Magaya’s credentials.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest UNISA, which in an official statement, indicated its set to press charges against Magaya, has taken formal legal action.
It is reported the institution pressed charges through the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), a government body responsible for tackling crime and corruption.
This means if arrested and found guilty, Magaya could be punished under Section 137 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which states the offense carries a fine, a 20-year prison sentence, or both.
