By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A case of organized human trafficking has emerged at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, resulting in the arrest and arraignment of eight officials, including immigration officers, ground staff, and an intelligence agent.
According to the reports, the alleged illicit operation took place when the accused reportedly conspired to smuggle 23 Ethiopian nationals out of Zimbabwe through Eswatini.
Two employees from National Handling Services are accused of escorting the Ethiopians through a restricted VIP route, where they were hidden overnight in the Vakacha Lounge.
The group doctored passenger records, falsely listing Ethiopians as Russians, Turks, Indians, and even Malawians.
Alert immigration officers discovered the fraud when the Ethiopians boarded Eswatini Airline without transit visas.
The eight accused officials have been named, 2 National Handling Services staff Gloria Chikukwa (27), Ashley Zhaimu (27) 4 Immigration Officers Vincent Shoshore (45), Gondoza Sunday (39), Terrence Mangwende (43) and Innocent Tawanda Hamandishe (54) 1 Aviation Security Officer (Airports Company of Zimbabwe) Elliot Nhapi and 1 Intelligence Officer (President’s Department) Moses Tadiwanashe Mutambai (29).
The Ethiopians were arrested, convicted, and fined US$100 or 3 months in jail. The 8 accused officials appeared at Harare Magistrates’ Court for initial remand and face charges for corruption, fraud, and violating immigration laws.