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TWO Namibian students, who are doing a course in Human Resources Management at Zimbabwe College in Bulawayo, have been found guilty of overstaying in the country after expiry of their study visas. Sisters Hangura Martha Ghumba, 23, and Hangura Luciana Ruhupe, 30, started a diploma course in Human Resources Management a month ago but could not get study permits as Immigration officials reportedly couldn’t process them.
It emerged that the Department of Immigration had erred by not indicating in their documents that they were students so that they could get a longer stay.
Ghumba and her elder sister Ruhupe yesterday pleaded guilty to remaining in the country without a permit and were convicted by Victoria Falls resident magistrate Sharon Rosemani.
They got away with a caution. There was no mention of whether they would be deported or not as the magistrate said Immigration officials would see what to do.
“Make sure next time you have your affairs in order because it does not make sense for you as students to renew your days every fortnight,” said the magistrate before passing her ruling.
The students said they started their course a month ago and were only given 14 days at the border. Ghumba and Ruhupe, from Tutungeni Rundu, said they visited the Immigration Offices on numerous occasions intending to extend their stay but without success.
They told the court the immigration officials needed some money to extend the days for them and they could not get the money because they had problems with their Visa Card.
Online Reporter