More than 150 immigration officers transferred amid reports of corruption
By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |
The Department of Immigration in Zimbabwe has transferred 157 officers from several ports around the country amid reports of rife corruption.
The redeployments were announced in a memo signed by the department’s director of administration, Stephen Museki on 23 August.
Museki, though, said the transfers were in line with a July 2016 circular from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) .
The border posts have over the years hogged the limelight for corruption which mainly involves acceptance of bribes to turn a blind eye on illegal entries and exits as well as smuggling.
Recently, several immigration officials were caught on camera accepting bribes at Beitbridge.
Immigration officials have also been accused of letting undocumented travellers pass through the posts for kickbacks, with anti-corruption advocates calling for life audits of the officers.
Customs officials are reportedly working in cahoots with customs, intelligence and police officers to turn a blind eye on smuggling which is said to be rampant and has led to loss of billions of dollars to government over the years.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has up to date transferred about 500 police who had been seconded to the Beitbridge border town alone.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) have also effected officers’ transfers.
Corruption is reported to be rampant in the two departments too.
Government recently set up a cabinet probe team to look into corruption at the Beitbridge border post which can be a rich source of revenue.
The committee is chaired by Home Affairs Minister, Ignatius Chombo, and also includes the ministers of Finance and Economic Development, Mines and Mining Development, Environment Water and Climate, Industry and Commerce and Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development.
Anti-corruption measures at the border post include setting up CCTVs and the procurement of patrol vehicles and luggage scanners as well as metal and lie detectors. Nehanda Radio
