Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
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A GHANAIAN national who overstayed in Zimbabwe by more than five months after her visitor’s permit expired has been fined US$200 by a Bulawayo court.
Ms Issakara Latifa appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Mr Isheunesu Mathoba on Thursday and pleaded guilty to contravening immigration laws by remaining in the country without a valid permit.
Mr Mathoba convicted her on her own plea of guilty and sentenced her to pay a fine of US$200. Failure to pay the fine will result in her serving 100 days in prison.
In passing sentence, the magistrate took into account that Latifa had pleaded guilty, thereby saving the court’s time, and that she had no previous criminal convictions in Zimbabwe.
During sentencing submissions, prosecutor Ms Veronica Danai Manyuka urged the court to impose a deterrent penalty.
“There was a possibility that the accused could commit a crime while staying in the country illegally. I pray that she pays a hefty fine and be deported,” submitted Ms Manyuka.
The court heard that Latifa entered Zimbabwe through Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on December 4 last year and was granted a 30-day visitor’s permit that expired on January 3, 2026.
Prosecuting, Ms Manyuka said the accused remained in the country despite the expiry of her permit.
“She has been staying in Zimbabwe without a valid visitor’s permit. She overstayed in the country by 158 days,” said the prosecutor.
The offence came to light on June 11 this year when Latifa presented herself at the departure point at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport intending to leave the country.
“On 11 June 2026, the accused presented herself at the departure point at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport with a Ghanaian passport which does not have a valid certificate or permit allowing her to remain in Zimbabwe,” Ms Manyuka told the court.
Immigration officials detected the violation and she was subsequently arrested.
