Harare, (New Ziana) – A case of organized human trafficking has been uncovered at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, leading to the arrest and court appearance of eight officials that include immigration officers, ground staff and an intelligence agent, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has reported.

The group that appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, comprises two National Handling Services (NHS) staff Gloria Chikukwa (27) and Ashley Zhaimu (27), four Immigration officers Vincent Shoshore (45), Gondoza Sunday (39), Terrence Mangwende (43) and Innocent Tawanda Hamandishe (54).

The others include Elliot Nhapi, an aviation security officer with the Airports Company of Zimbabwe and Moses Taidwanashe Mutambai (29), an intelligence officer in the President’s Department.

The eight, who appeared on initial remand, face charges of corruption, fraud, and violating immigration laws.

According to the NPAZ, allegations are that between the March 15 and 16 this year, the accused persons orchestrated a scheme to smuggle 23 Ethiopian nationals out of Zimbabwe via Eswatini.

Chikukwa and Zhaimu from the NHS escorted the Ethiopians through a restricted VIP route, hiding them in the Vakacha Lounge overnight.

The group doctored passenger records, falsely listing the Ethiopians as Russians, Turks, Indians, and even Malawians.

Alert immigration officers discovered the fraud when the Ethiopians boarded Eswatini Airline without transit visas.

The Ethiopians were arrested, convicted, and fined US$100 or three months in jail.

New Ziana