8 Harare Passport Officers Arrested for Issuing Fr...

8 Harare Passport Officers Arrested for Issuing Fraudulent Documents

Rutendo Mazhindu

ZimNow Reporter

Eight employees from the Register General’s Department were arrested for issuing fraudulent Zimbabwean passports to four Cameroonian nationals.

The fraudulent scheme originated in Mount Darwin, where the Cameroonians first obtained birth certificates under false pretenses. From there, they travelled to Harare, claiming they had lost their ID documents. Within a matter of days, they were issued Zimbabwean passports after paying US$170 each.

The implicated officials, Romeo Shonhiwa, 44, Marrian Roman, 40, Lackmore Chinonokera, 34, Maureen Natasha Munemo, 32, Tanaka Magaya, 28, and Edith Mato, 38, now face charges of criminal abuse of office. The four Cameroonians, identified as Emile Chingwaru, Christiana Mhereyenyoka, Yvette Maini, and Marvel Chimbwanda, have also been arrested and charged with fraud.

Investigations revealed a well-organised corruption racket involving not only officials but also general staff, including cleaners. The Cameroonians allegedly paid US$1500 each for the passports, with the intention of using them to travel to the UK via South Africa.

However, their plan was thwarted at the Beitbridge border post, where they were caught attempting to cross into South Africa using their newly issued Zimbabwean passports, which bore Shona names despite none of the individuals being able to speak the language.

Two general employees, Neria Sombi and Trymore Chipanga, who are employed by Andivest, were questioned by the police after CCTV footage revealed their involvement in facilitating the passport application process.

“The accused officials abused their positions, compromising national security,” said a police spokesperson.

The eight officials and the four Cameroonian nationals are now awaiting trial.