Deportee begs to stay in Zim

Auxilia Katongomara Court Reporter
A NIGERIAN national yesterday wept in court as he pleaded with a Bulawayo magistrate to let him stay in the country after he was arrested for contravening the country’s immigration laws.
Emeka Austin Orumede, 35, of Waterford suburb, broke down before magistrate Sibongile Msipa after he was charged for staying in the country without a permit.
Orumude pleaded guilty to the crime and was fined $200 or 30 days in prison. He will also be deported back to his home country.

“Your worship, the reason why I stayed in the country illegally is because I wanted to be with my family. I’ve applied several times for a permit but am failing to get it. I just want to be with my family. They are the only family I have,” he said.

Orumede told the court that he was legally married to a Zimbabwean woman and they have three children.
In passing sentence, Msipa said although Orumede was a first time offender, illegal immigration was a serious offence and a deterrent sentence was necessary.

“Imprisonment is not for first time offenders but the nature of the offence deserves a custodial sentence, which however is not necessary as the accused person might come out a hardened criminal and be a burden to society,” said Msipa.

Prosecuting, Denmore Kasenza told how Orumede entered the country sometime in May this year and remained in the country without a permit or passport.
“On June 30 this year, at around 8PM, Orumede was arrested near Bulawayo Central Police Station after he failed to produce his passport or permit authorising him to stay in Zimbabwe,” Kasenza told the court.

He said the accused did not have any documentation after his visa expired and never renewed his Nigerian passport.
In mitigation, Orumede said he was not employed in the country but worked with his wife at her plot and owned a house and two cars.

“Your worship, I’ve sent my passport to Nigeria to try and get passports for my children and I’m begging the court to be lenient with me,” he said.
Orumede was remanded in custody at Khami Prison awaiting deportation.