News / National
Egyptian in Zimbabwe court over alleged forged passport
7 hrs ago |
124 Views
An Egyptian national has appeared before a Bulawayo court facing charges of forgery and unlawful entry after allegedly using falsified travel documents and multiple identities in an attempt to enter and remain in Zimbabwe illegally.
Yonis Mohamed Abdelgawad Lasheen appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Resident Magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso on Tuesday facing two counts of forgery and unlawful entry.
Lasheen was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody until June 19.
According to the prosecution, represented by Ms Tumelo Hindonga, the accused allegedly used forged travel documents on multiple occasions to gain access to Zimbabwe.
The State alleges that between May 2 and July 5, 2025, Lasheen used a passport containing falsified personal details at a port of entry to enter the country.
Prosecutors further allege that on May 22, 2026, he again attempted to enter Zimbabwe using a passport bearing the name Younes Mohamed Abdelgawad Lashin, which authorities suspect was forged.
The court heard that Lasheen allegedly presented the travel document to immigration officials while claiming that he was entering the country legally.
However, the State contends that he knew he was a prohibited person and deliberately misrepresented his identity to evade immigration controls.
According to the prosecution, an immigration officer became suspicious during the processing of the travel documents and conducted a more detailed examination of the passport.
The inspection allegedly revealed irregularities in the document, leading to further investigations and the accused's subsequent arrest.
"The accused person knowingly used a falsified travel document to deceive immigration officers and unlawfully stay in Zimbabwe," prosecutor Ms Hindonga told the court.
Authorities allege that the accused altered or used different identities as part of an effort to circumvent immigration regulations and remain in the country unlawfully.
The case highlights growing concerns among immigration authorities regarding the use of fraudulent travel documents and identity manipulation to facilitate illegal cross-border movement.
Lasheen remains in custody pending further proceedings, with the matter scheduled to return to court on June 19.
The State is expected to present additional evidence relating to the authenticity of the travel documents and the circumstances surrounding the accused's alleged entry into Zimbabwe.
Yonis Mohamed Abdelgawad Lasheen appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Resident Magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso on Tuesday facing two counts of forgery and unlawful entry.
Lasheen was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody until June 19.
According to the prosecution, represented by Ms Tumelo Hindonga, the accused allegedly used forged travel documents on multiple occasions to gain access to Zimbabwe.
The State alleges that between May 2 and July 5, 2025, Lasheen used a passport containing falsified personal details at a port of entry to enter the country.
Prosecutors further allege that on May 22, 2026, he again attempted to enter Zimbabwe using a passport bearing the name Younes Mohamed Abdelgawad Lashin, which authorities suspect was forged.
The court heard that Lasheen allegedly presented the travel document to immigration officials while claiming that he was entering the country legally.
However, the State contends that he knew he was a prohibited person and deliberately misrepresented his identity to evade immigration controls.
According to the prosecution, an immigration officer became suspicious during the processing of the travel documents and conducted a more detailed examination of the passport.
The inspection allegedly revealed irregularities in the document, leading to further investigations and the accused's subsequent arrest.
"The accused person knowingly used a falsified travel document to deceive immigration officers and unlawfully stay in Zimbabwe," prosecutor Ms Hindonga told the court.
Authorities allege that the accused altered or used different identities as part of an effort to circumvent immigration regulations and remain in the country unlawfully.
The case highlights growing concerns among immigration authorities regarding the use of fraudulent travel documents and identity manipulation to facilitate illegal cross-border movement.
Lasheen remains in custody pending further proceedings, with the matter scheduled to return to court on June 19.
The State is expected to present additional evidence relating to the authenticity of the travel documents and the circumstances surrounding the accused's alleged entry into Zimbabwe.
Source - The Chronicle
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
