In a significant operation over the weekend, four Cameroonian nationals were apprehended in Beitbridge, each carrying two passports, including one genuine brand-new Zimbabwean passport.
The arr3sts have raised serious concerns about a potential passport racket operating within the Registrar General’s office, posing challenges for local police, Interpol, and immigration authorities globally.
The individuals, identified as Marvel Ngei, Emile Muyamuya, Christiana Boyombe, and Tveete Kum, reportedly claimed they paid bribes of US$1,500 each to secure their Zimbabwean passports in Harare.
Their intent was to use these documents as part of a journey to the United Kingdom, with plans to transit through South Africa.
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Each suspect possessed a Zimbabwean passport under different aliases: Marvel Ngei held a passport in the name of Marvel Chimbwanda, Emile Muyamuya had one as Emile Chingwaru, Christiana Boyombe’s passport was under the name Christiana Mhereyenyoka, and Tveete Kum’s document was issued in the name of Tveete Mazana.
The situation came to light when authorities noticed irregularities in their documentation. All passports had been stamped and appeared legitimate, but suspicion was aroused when one of the individuals struggled to respond to questions in Shona, raising doubts about their authenticity and intent.
The four were slated to appear before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court today, where they will face charges related to passport fraud. The incident highlights the growing issue of document forgery and the exploitation of corruption within government offices, calling for a thorough investigation into the practices at the Registrar General’s office.
As the local police continue their investigations, this case underscores the need for enhanced scrutiny of immigration processes and the importance of international cooperation in tackling human trafficking and fraudulent documentation. With the potential for further implications beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, authorities are on high alert as they address this emerging passport racket.
