MILLICENT HUNGWE
A shocking passport scandal has unfolded in Harare, involving 12 employees from the Registrar General’s Office.
The group, faces serious charges of criminal abuse of office after allegedly issuing passports to four Cameroonian nationals fraudulently.
The accused officials, including Romeo Shonhiwa, Marrian Roman, and Lackmore Chinokokora, among others, were denied bail by Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, citing the severity of the offense and flight risk concerns.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for October 17.
Investigations revealed that the four Cameroonian individuals – Marvel Ngei, Emile Muyamuya, Christiana Boyombe, and Tveete Kum obtained Zimbabwean passports under altered names, each reportedly paid US$1,500 for the documents, intending to travel to South Africa and ultimately the UK.
The scheme unraveled when one of the individuals failed to respond to a question in Shona, raising suspicions however their passports had been stamped, but the ruse was exposed.
This incident comes amid heightened vigilance at Beitbridge Border Post, where 567 suspected criminals were apprehended in a recent crackdown.
The Department of Immigration’s regional compliance and enforcement unit has intensified efforts to combat illegal activities.
