admin
Court Reporter
An American yesterday told a Harare magistrate’s court that he overstayed in Zimbabwe, breaching his holiday visa, because of the ‘excellent hospitality” he received from local people..
Sean Patrick Collins was however fined $10 000 for overstaying, as he claimed he wishes to come back and have more fun in Zimbabwe.
Harare magistrate Mrs Tafadzwa Miti also ordered that Collins be deported back to the US.
In default of payment of the fine, Collins will serve a month behind bars.
Collins admitted to overstaying in the country, saying he was forced to breach the Immigration laws because of the hospitality he was receiving in this country.
“I did not know that overstaying was an offence but the court has to forgive me.
“This country is fun and I cannot be blamed for committing this offence.
” I was having a good time. The hospitality is excellent,” he said.
Collins vowed to return to Zimbabwe saying he would abide by the laws to avoid arrest.
“Don’t be surprised if I come back in the near future.
“I will definitely be back to have a good time and I will make sure that I won’t break the laws again,” he said.
His remarks could not sway the court that punished him and ordered his deportation.
The court heard that on May 6 last year, Collins entered into the country legally through Robert Mugabe International Airport under a single entry holiday visa that was valid until June 5, 2021.
After its expiry, Collins never left the country or sought for an extension.
On August 29 this year, Collins went to the Immigration Headquarters Offices in a bid to regularise his stay in the country.
It was discovered that he did not have a valid permit authorising him to be in the country leading to his arrest.
Collins stayed as an illegal immigrant in Zimbabwe for a period of 450 days.
Thomas Chanakira appeared for the State
Online Reporter