HARARE, Zimbabwe — Twenty-three Ethiopian nationals attempting to leave Zimbabwe using fraudulent documentation were smuggled into Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and hid inside the Vakacha Lounge overnight after being escorted through a restricted VIP route by two National Handling Services employees, a court heard.
Eight officials, including immigration officers, ground staff, and an intelligence agent, have been arrested and arraigned in connection with the human trafficking scheme at the airport. Authorities apprehended the suspects after they allegedly helped the Ethiopians falsify passenger records.
According to the state, between March 15 and 16, 2025, the accused orchestrated a scheme to smuggle the 23 Ethiopian nationals out of Zimbabwe via Eswatini. Two National Handling Services employees allegedly escorted the Ethiopians through a restricted VIP route, concealing them in the Vakacha Lounge overnight. The group then falsified passenger records, listing the Ethiopians as Russians, Turks, Indians, and even Malawians. Immigration officers uncovered the fraud when the Ethiopians attempted to board an Eswatini Airline flight without transit visas.
The accused officials include two National Handling Services staff members, Gloria Chikukwa (27) and Ashley Zhaimu (27); four immigration officers, Vincent Shoshore (45), Gondoza Sunday (39), Terrence Mangwende (43), and Innocent Tawanda Hamandishe (54); one aviation security officer from the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Elliot Nhapi; and one intelligence officer from the President’s Department, Moses Tadiwanashe Mutambai (29).
The Ethiopians were arrested, convicted, and fined US$100 each or sentenced to three months in jail. Meanwhile, the eight accused officials appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court for initial remand and face charges of corruption, fraud, and violating immigration laws.
Kukurigo
