Harare Magistrate, Mrs. Ruth Moyo, has imposed a US$300 fine on 50-year-old Austin Ray, an American national, after finding him guilty of breaching the Immigration Act and escaping lawful custody.
Ray, holder of American passport number A07061933, faced two charges related to contravening immigration laws and evading custody.
According to the State’s case, on February 19, Ray arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport aboard Airlink flight number 42104. Upon presenting his passport at the immigration checkpoint, it was discovered that he had overstayed his visa, which had expired on February 7, 2024.
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Lacking the required authorization from the Minister, Ray was denied entry and detained pending deportation. Despite this, he managed to illegally enter the country on the same day.
Additionally, Ray escaped from lawful custody while detained at the airport. Despite being refused entry and awaiting deportation, he tampered with the holding cell’s locking system, allowing him to escape custody.
Ray’s actions not only violated immigration laws but also undermined the security protocols at the airport. Consequently, he was fined $300 for his offenses.
