A major scandal continues to engulf Zimbabwe’s Registrar General’s Office (RGO), with the arrest of yet another suspect adding to the growing list of those implicated in issuing fraudulent passports to four Cameroonian nationals.
This latest arrest came after the accused reportedly attempted to destroy evidence, further deepening the crisis within the RGO.
The four Cameroonians – identified as Marvel Ngeyi, Emile Mayamuya, Christiana Bayombe and Tveete Kum – were initially issued fraudulent birth certificates in Mount Darwin on September 4th by Tawanda Waniwa (45), who is also under arrest. Waniwa issued these certificates under false Shona names: Emile Chingwaru, Christiana Mhereyenyoka, Yvette Maini, and Marvel Chimbwanda. Using these fraudulent documents, the Cameroonians then falsely claimed to have lost their national identity documents in Harare, obtaining replacements endorsed “lost waiting pass copy”.
Armed with these fraudulent documents, the Cameroonians applied for and received Zimbabwean e-passports at the RGO in Harare on September 17th, paying the standard fee of $170 each. The remarkably swift processing of their applications, completed just two days later on September 19th, is a key element of the ongoing investigation. This expedited service, far quicker than the usual seven-day processing time, raises serious questions about the level of complicity within the RGO.
The four Cameroonians were subsequently apprehended at Beitbridge Border Post by immigration officers attempting to enter South Africa. Their Zimbabwean passports were seized, confirming the fraudulent nature of their acquisition. The Cameroonians have admitted to paying US$1,500 each for the entire process, pointing to a significant level of bribery and corruption within the RGO. Their stated intention was to travel to South Africa and then onward to the United Kingdom.
The investigation has since uncovered a network of complicity within the RGO, resulting in the arrest of eight employees on charges of criminal abuse of office. These employees are: Romeo Shonhiwa (44), Marrian Roman (40), Lackmore Chinokokora (34), Grace Kapungu (35), Chiedza Hlomani (34), Maureen Natasha Munemo (32), Tanaka Magaya (28), and Edith Moto (38). The precise roles of each individual in the scam are still under investigation.
Adding to the growing list of arrests, police have also questioned two general hands, Neria Sombi and Trymore Chipanga, employed by Andivest and working at the passport office. CCTV footage allegedly shows them assisting the Cameroonians throughout the passport application process. The footage also reportedly shows Tanaka Magaya receiving money from a woman suspected to be involved in the fraudulent activities.
The latest arrest underscores the seriousness of the situation. Chipo Matovanyika, an employee of the RGO in the passport collection department, was apprehended for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence with Tapiwanashe Hove on September 20th. Matovanyika appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje and was remanded in custody. Hove and his two accomplices are also implicated in handing over the fraudulently obtained passports to the Cameroonians.
The sequence of events, as outlined by National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi last month, reveals a meticulously planned scheme. The rapid passport processing, the substantial sums of money involved, and the widespread involvement of RGO employees indicate a systemic failure and deeply entrenched corruption.
The case is currently before the courts, with Tambudzai Masamvi representing the prosecution. The prosecution will need to present strong evidence to secure convictions. The outcome will have significant implications for the RGO and the broader fight against corruption within Zimbabwean government institutions.
