adminCollette Mukome
A MOZAMBICAN citizen who married a Zimbabwean was last week remanded in custody waiting for deportation after he was found guilty of overstaying in the country.
Jimmy Murenje appeared before senior Mutare magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura answering to the charges of overstaying in the country since 2009.
Murenje was convicted on his own plea of guilty for contravening Section 29 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 4:02, which does not permit immigrants to enter or reside in the country without proper documents.
Mr Fletcher Karombe appeared for the State.
The court heard that on May 7, 2009, Murenje entered the country with the intention of visiting his relatives.
“He had been staying in Zimbabwe since May 2009 without papers which allow him to do so.
“However on January 28, Murenje was arrested by immigration officers at Forbes Border Post in Mutare while travelling back to Mozambique,” said Mr Karombe.
Asked why he committed the offence, Murenje prayed for leniency, saying his family will suffer both in Mozambique and in Rusape if he was incarcerated.
“Your Worship, I came here visiting my relatives. I then got married to a Zimbabwean.
“I have a family in Rusape with my wife and that is why I overstayed.
“I pray that you release me so that I take care of both families in Zimbabwe and in Mozambique.
“If I am incarcerated my family will suffer with no one knowing of my whereabouts,” he pleaded
Mrs Sekai Chiundura told him that staying in the country without proper or valid documents was a crime despite being married to a Zimbabwean citizen.
“You were supposed to regularise your papers so that you will be allowed to be in the country,” she said.
He was sentenced to 60 days imprisonment wholly suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
Online Reporter