Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A MOZAMBICAN national who entered Zimbabwe via an illegal point in Chipinge, driving a South African-registered vehicle, has been arrested and fined for violating immigration laws.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Maculana Daniel Nelson for illegal entry and not having a temporary import permit for the Toyota Legend 45 vehicle he was driving, valued at US$16 000.
Nelson was subsequently arraigned before Chipinge Magistrates’ Court, where he was convicted of the offence and fined US$200.
“On July 11 2025, at around 7 pm, a patrol team from ZRP Support Unit was deployed on border patrol along the road linking Jersey Trading Factory and Mundanda Business Centre,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
“The patrol team stopped a Toyota Legend 45 with South African registration number JZ2CVFGP, engine number 1KDA35970. The team introduced themselves to the driver as police officers conducting stop-and-search duties.
“The driver, later identified as Maculana Daniel Nelson, produced a Mozambican passport and a South African driver’s licence. The passport showed that the last entry stamp into Zimbabwe dated November 30 2024.
“The accused failed to produce a valid Temporary Import Permit for the vehicle, leading to his arrest for entry by evasion and smuggling. Approximate value of the recovered vehicle is US$16 000 and it was handed over to ZIMRA Mt Selinda Border Post where it is being held under seizure.
“On July 15 2025 the accused person was taken to Chipinge magistrates court facing charges of entering Zimbabwe at any place other than a port of entry or remain in Zimbabwe without permit as defined in Section 29 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act Chapter 4.02. He appeared before Magistrate Cathrine Dzivanyika and Mr Edmore Mahlanganise prosecuted. He was convicted and fined US$200.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa