30 illegal immigrants arrested in Mbare
In a recent operation carried out by the Zimbabwean police in Harare’s Mbare suburb, thirty Malawian nationals were apprehended on suspicion of lacking proper documentation. The individuals were taken into custody and transferred to the Harare Central police station for further investigation.
The arrests were made following a tip-off, prompting law enforcement authorities to conduct a sting operation. Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national spokesman for the police, confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation was initiated based on credible information received by the authorities.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi indicated that full details regarding the arrests would be disclosed to the public today. It remains to be seen whether the detained individuals will face charges related to illegal entry into the country, as foreign nationals must possess valid documentation to reside legally in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has witnessed an influx of individuals attempting to cross its borders illegally, primarily with the intent of reaching South Africa. The rise in cases of human trafficking has prompted authorities to take stricter measures against such activities. Zimbabwe serves as a crucial transit corridor for African immigrants seeking refuge in South Africa, the continent’s major economy.
Over the years, law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe have intensified their efforts to combat human trafficking and curb the assistance provided by bus operators, villagers, and unscrupulous officials in facilitating illegal border crossings. The trafficking of foreigners has emerged as a lucrative and dangerous enterprise, particularly in Southern Africa.
Within the region, certain individuals and criminal syndicates have been identified as key players in this illicit trade. These individuals resort to kidnapping foreigners and demanding exorbitant ransoms, sometimes reaching up to R80,000 per person. The victims originate from countries as distant as Somalia and Ethiopia, utilizing Zimbabwe, notably Beitbridge, as a transit route to South Africa.
