TWO immigration officials stationed in Victoria Falls have
been arrested after they allegedly issued instant visas to three tourists from
Bangladesh without following laid down procedures. Bangladesh nationals are
classified under category C which requires prior application for visa and
clearance by immigration before one can enter Zimbabwe.
Lizzie Mupfururi (32) and Ruvimbo Pedzisa (29) who were
both stationed at Victoria Falls International Airport allegedly issued instant
visa documents to three Bangladesh nationals in violation of Government policy.
The two were arrested last week following investigations. They
appeared before Victoria Falls resident magistrate, Ms Lindiwe Maphosa, charged
with criminal abuse of office.
The two were not asked to plead to the charges and were
remanded to March 29 on $100 bail each.
Prosecuting, Mrs Sithabile Daka-Munkombwe said Mupfururi
faces two counts while Pedzisa is charged with one count.
“On the 12th of February 2019, the accused Ruvimbo Pedzisa
was on duty at Victoria Falls International Airport when a Bangladesh national,
Feroz Kazi, arrived.
Contrary and inconsistent with Zimbabwe policy on
Bangladesh, the accused as a public officer showed favour by issuing a visa to
the visitor who had not made prior application,” said the prosecutor.
On the same day, Mupfururi allegedly gave instant visas to
Bangladesh nationals Uddin Miraj and Yeasin knowing they should have applied
for visas before being allowed to enter the country.
The court was told that Mupfururi and Pedzisa allegedly
deliberately avoided scanning the visitors’ passports to cover up for the
crime.
Mupfururi and Pedzisa’s duties involved among others,
examining travellers’ particulars on entry and exit, scanning passports and
capturing data of travellers in the border management system, collecting and
receipting appropriate visa fees and issuing visa stickers.
Ms Linda Mtombeni of Mvhiringi and Associates is
representing the pair. The duo’s arrest follows the suspension of eight other
immigration officers last year on allegations of receiving bribes from foreigners
to alter visas.
Acting separately, the eight attended to visitors from
different countries and allegedly recorded lesser amounts in receipt books and
pocketed the difference thereby prejudicing the State of varying amounts of
money.
They were suspended without pay following their arrest in
May 2017 at Victoria Falls Border Post, Kazungula Border Post and Victoria
Falls International Airport.
The eight officers have since challenged their suspension
in court and the case is pending at the High Court. Chronicle
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