Walter Mzembi, a former Zimbabwean government official with outstanding corruption charges, reportedly flew to Lusaka, Zambia, on Saturday following an immigration issue in South Africa. Mzembi arrived in Lusaka at 14:00 hours after what was described as a “deportation scare.”
While the exact reasons for the immigration problems were not immediately clear, sources within South Africa’s Home Affairs department revealed that Mzembi’s immigration status was under investigation. One source, speaking anonymously, explained that Mzembi had overstayed in South Africa, which led to complications with immigration laws. The source also mentioned that Mzembi had attempted to manipulate dates by visiting Lesotho, which further raised concerns.
The timing of this incident is critical, as Mzembi is scheduled for a United States visa interview on December 5 at the US consulate in Sandton, South Africa. Due to the immigration issue, attending this interview may no longer be possible unless alternative arrangements are made.
Sources indicate that Mzembi may try to salvage the situation by requesting that the US consulate allow him to reschedule the interview in Lusaka, where he currently resides. According to a legal expert based in Sandton, the US consulate typically grants applicants up to a week to notify them of any address or location changes for service delivery of relevant documents, giving Mzembi an opportunity to request the transfer of his interview.
Mzembi has previously avoided deportation in 2019 after being suspected of faking an illness. He was later filmed in good health, leading to renewed calls for his deportation, which were halted by political allies in South Africa. Mzembi fled Zimbabwe in 2017, following the military intervention that ended Robert Mugabe’s presidency, and has remained a key figure in the G40 faction of Zanu PF, which was involved in various controversial activities.
Mzembi’s political connections and his dealings with former Zanu PF officials like Saviour Kasukuwere and Jonathan Moyo were part of a faction that reportedly received support from Grace Mugabe, the former First Lady. This faction’s influence was strong enough to delay Mzembi’s deportation on several occasions.
Attempts to contact the South African Department of Home Affairs for comment were unsuccessful. However, sources confirm that Mzembi’s rescheduled US visa interview will take place in December, with Pretoria listed as the service address.
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