No fewer than six South African nationals have been apprehended by Zimbabwean authorities for allegedly violating immigration regulations and breaching public peace through involvement in an armed robbery.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) stated that the individuals, who entered from the neighboring country, will face prosecution — with potential sentences of up to 10 years in prison, after which they will be deported back to South Africa.
According to the ZHRC, based in Harare, three of the accused face charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, while the others are being tried for offenses related to the possession and distribution of dangerous drugs.
ZHRC Chairperson, Jessie Majome, confirmed that the identities of the suspects have been verified.
Majome also revealed that 66 foreign nationals are currently on trial for various offenses. She emphasized the need for the judiciary to intensify efforts in curbing criminal activities committed by both foreigners and Zimbabwean citizens.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, disclosed that a two-day Crime Indaba was held this week to tackle rising criminal activities involving South African citizens.
Otola, who condemned criminal acts committed by South Africans both at home and abroad, said the high-level engagement brought together key security stakeholders, government departments, organizations, institutions, and the mining sector to build a unified approach to crime prevention and national security.
She noted that the programme aimed to boost morale, foster unity, and drive strategic discussions around crime prevention efforts.
Otola also urged all South Africans to remain law-abiding in their interactions with fellow citizens and with residents of neighboring countries.
