Nine suspects implicated in a passport scandal involving the unlawful issuance of Zimbabwean passports and identity documents to four Cameroonians will remain in custody until their trial begins on January 13.
Six of the 16 suspects were granted $100 bail each by Harare regional magistrate Mr. Taurai Manuwere. Those granted bail include Ruramai Mhlanga, Maureen Natasha Munemo, Chiedza Hlomani, Marian Roman, Tanaka Lisaphael Magaya, and Lackmore Chinokokora.
A seventh suspect, Tapiwanashe Hove, was earlier granted bail by the High Court. The remaining nine suspects, including Tafadzwa Chiundiza, Leona Patience Fungai, and Neria Sombi, will remain in custody.
Twelve of the accused are employees of the Registrar-General’s Office, which is responsible for issuing vital documents.
According to the State, the scandal began in August when a man known as “Jeff” approached two employees, Chiundiza and Fungai, seeking assistance in obtaining fraudulent documents for four Cameroonians.
The four Cameroonians were arrested on September 21 at the Beitbridge border post while attempting to cross into South Africa using the fraudulently acquired passports.
