A Three Star Coaches bus driver and conductor accused of facilitating the illegal entry of 21 Malawian citizens into the country have been convicted of contravening the Immigration Act.
Kudakwashe Samukange and Tafengenyasha both pleaded guilty when they appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda.
Allegations were that on 4 September 2022, Samukange and Tafengenyasha picked up 21 Malawian nationals in Blantyre.
Along the way, the duo gave their Malawian passengers passports bearing other people’s names to ensure their entry into Zimbabwe.
Upon arrival at Nyamapanda Border Post, Immigration officials denied the Malawians entry into Zimbabwe.
However, Samukange and Tafengenyasha advised the 21 Malawian nationals to use an illegal entry point.
The duo later picked up the Malawians after the border crossing, on the Zimbabwean side.
Acting on a tip-off, police officers from Highlands Police Station in Harare mounted a roadblock at Shamva tollgate.
When the bus was stopped by the police officers, the passengers produced passports bearing other people’s names, leading to their arrest.
Samukange and Tafengenyasha were set to be sentenced on 8 September 2022. | H-Metro