Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – A 34-year-old illegal immigrant from Equatorial Guinea, Angue Benjamin Nchama, has been sentenced to pay a fine of US$100 and will be deported after violating Zimbabwe’s Immigration Act. The ruling was delivered by Bulawayo magistrate Mr. Ernest Muzembe, who also imposed a four-month suspended prison sentence.
Nchama, who has been residing in Zimbabwe since 2014, was found guilty of remaining in the country without a valid permit. According to court records, his student permit expired on January 17, 2025, after several extensions. However, he failed to renew it and continued to stay in the country illegally.
Legal Ruling and Security Concerns
During sentencing, Magistrate Muzembe emphasized that Nchama’s case was a strict liability offence, meaning his intention did not need to be proven—his mere presence in the country without documentation was sufficient for conviction.
Further, the court acknowledged concerns raised by Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Godfrey Kondo, who stated that Nchama’s continued presence in Zimbabwe posed a national security threat.
Violence Allegations and Protection Order
The case took a dramatic turn after it was revealed that Nchama was also involved in a domestic dispute. His girlfriend’s mother, Ms. Gertrude Makwamba, filed for a protection order against him, citing violent behavior.
According to State Prosecutor Mr. Mehluli Ndlovu, Nchama allegedly assaulted Ms. Makwamba over accusations that she failed to properly groom her daughter. He reportedly went as far as accusing her of hiring men to sleep with her daughter. The matter came to light after Ms. Makwamba approached the Harare Civil Court, leading to the exposure of his illegal immigration status.
Deportation Orders
Following the court ruling, immigration authorities will now process Nchama’s deportation back to Equatorial Guinea. His four-month suspended sentence will remain active should he re-enter Zimbabwe unlawfully in the future.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of maintaining strict immigration laws to safeguard national security and uphold the country’s legal framework.
This case highlights the consequences of immigration violations and underscores the need for strict enforcement of immigration policies across the region.