Police caught eight airport workers trafficking people at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. These officials helped smuggle 23 Ethiopians from Zimbabwe through secret airport channels. The scheme happened during March 15-16, 2025, when airport staff led these foreigners through VIP pathways normally reserved for important travelers.
The corrupt workers hid these people overnight in the airport's Vakacha Lounge. They changed travel papers to make the Ethiopians appear as Russians, Turks, Indians, and Malawians. Their plan crashed when sharp-eyed immigration officers noticed something fishy. They spotted the group trying to board an Eswatini Airlines flight without proper transit papers.
The arrested airport staff come from different departments. Two worked for National Handling Services - Gloria Chikukwa and Ashley Zhaimu, both aged 27. Four immigration officers joined the scheme - Vincent Shoshore (45), Gondozwa Sunday (39), Terrence Mangwende (43), and Innocent Tawanda Hamandishe (54). The group also included aviation security officer Elliot Nhapi from the Airports Company of Zimbabwe and intelligence officer Moses Tadiwanashe Mutambai (29).
Courts already punished the Ethiopian travelers with either US$100 fines or three months behind bars. The airport workers faced similar legal trouble at Harare Magistrates' Court. They face serious charges, including corruption, fraud, and breaking immigration laws. Authorities promise harsh action against anyone abusing official positions within Zimbabwe's border control systems.
The corrupt workers hid these people overnight in the airport's Vakacha Lounge. They changed travel papers to make the Ethiopians appear as Russians, Turks, Indians, and Malawians. Their plan crashed when sharp-eyed immigration officers noticed something fishy. They spotted the group trying to board an Eswatini Airlines flight without proper transit papers.
The arrested airport staff come from different departments. Two worked for National Handling Services - Gloria Chikukwa and Ashley Zhaimu, both aged 27. Four immigration officers joined the scheme - Vincent Shoshore (45), Gondozwa Sunday (39), Terrence Mangwende (43), and Innocent Tawanda Hamandishe (54). The group also included aviation security officer Elliot Nhapi from the Airports Company of Zimbabwe and intelligence officer Moses Tadiwanashe Mutambai (29).
Courts already punished the Ethiopian travelers with either US$100 fines or three months behind bars. The airport workers faced similar legal trouble at Harare Magistrates' Court. They face serious charges, including corruption, fraud, and breaking immigration laws. Authorities promise harsh action against anyone abusing official positions within Zimbabwe's border control systems.
