Nqobizwe Thebe
Eight officials, including immigration officers, ground staff, and an intelligence agent, were arrested yesterday on charges of organized human trafficking at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of Zimbabwe.
The suspects allegedly facilitated the illegal transit of 23 Ethiopian nationals between March 15 and 16, 2025, attempting to smuggle them out of Zimbabwe via Eswatini. Two National Handling Services employees escorted the Ethiopians through a restricted VIP route and concealed them overnight in the Vakacha Lounge.
Investigations revealed that the group falsified passenger records, listing the Ethiopians under fraudulent nationalities—including Russian, Turkish, Indian, and Malawian—to evade detection. The scheme unraveled when vigilant immigration officers noticed discrepancies as the group attempted to board an Eswatini Airline flight without valid transit visas.
Arrested Officials:
- National Handling Services Staff: Gloria Chikukwa (27), Ashley Zhaimu (27)
- Immigration Officers: Vincent Shoshore (45), Gondoza Sunday (39), Terrence Mangwende (43), Innocent Tawanda Hamandishe (54)
- Aviation Security Officer (Airports Company of Zimbabwe): Elliot Nhapi
- Intelligence Officer (President’s Department): Moses Tadiwanashe Mutambai (29)
The Ethiopian nationals were arrested, convicted, and fined US$100 each or a three-month jail sentence. Meanwhile, the eight accused officials appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court for initial remand. They face charges including corruption, fraud, and violations of immigration laws.
