Meet Kelechi Godwin, a 52-year-old Nigerian man who’s been living his best life in Zimbabwe – courtesy of a fake marriage. For five whole years, Godwin convinced immigration officials that he was a happily married man, all while his “wife” was supposedly living her best life elsewhere.
Godwin submitted fake spousal support letters, claiming they were from his wife Patience, who had actually been living outside Zimbabwe since 2008. He even took it a step further by bringing a different woman to an immigration interview and introducing her as his wife. Talk about commitment issues!
Godwin’s antics led to multiple spousal residence permits being issued, undermining the integrity of the Immigration Department. Now, he’s facing the music and has been granted bail with strict conditions: US$400 bail, staying at a listed address, avoiding witnesses, and reporting to the police station twice a week.
Meanwhile, 45-year-old Cephas Mukombwe from Beatrice learned the hard way that crime doesn’t pay. Mukombwe was sentenced to five years in prison for trying to sell unlicensed diamonds in Harare. He unknowingly negotiated with undercover detectives and handed over two diamond stones worth US$174.93.
The Moral of the Story
Trading in precious stones without a proper license is a serious offense. Authorities are reminding the public to play by the rules. Godwin and Mukombwe’s cases serve as a reminder that crime doesn’t pay – especially when you’re caught red-handed!
