Two suspects were arrested on Friday for allegedly masterminding a national identity card fraud and forgery scheme at the Umguza Civil Registry Department, located in the Tredgold Building in Bulawayo.
The suspects, Brian Veririzhe and Thamsanqa Moyo, were apprehended by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and are expected to appear in court soon.
CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests on Monday, April 14. She said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested Brian Veririzhe of Stand 3 Wellington Road, Montrose, Bulawayo, and Thamsanqa Moyo of House Number 63 Derby Road, Bellevue, Bulawayo, for fraud and forgery following a case involving the attempted replacement of an identity document.
</blockquote>
Muteweri said that on January 3, 2025, a woman named Buhle Sibanda visited the Tredgold Civil Registry office to replace her lost national identity card. While there, she was approached by the two suspects, who offered to help her obtain a duplicate. She added:
<blockquote>
Following their agreement, Brian Veririzhe captured Buhle Sibanda’s passport-sized photograph using his mobile phone and forwarded it to Thamsanqa Moyo, who printed a counterfeit copy of the national identity document using his computer.
</blockquote>
Muteweri said that after creating a fake national ID, the suspects tried to submit it at the Umguza District Civil Registry office.
Veririzhe pretended to be a government employee from the Companies, Deeds and Intellectual Property Office in Bulawayo. He introduced Buhle Sibanda as his relative who needed a replacement ID.
However, a sharp-eyed registry officer noticed something was off with the document and flagged it as fake. Veririzhe and Thamsanqa Moyo were arrested on April 10, 2025, and are now awaiting trial.
Further investigations revealed that Veririzhe actually works for Dokma Private Limited, a company hired to help digitise records for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
Although the fake ID looked real, it raised suspicion because the photo showed Sibanda wearing the same clothes and makeup she had on the day she applied—despite her claim that the ID was a duplicate of one issued back in 2019.
Sibanda, who was born in 1995, listed her home as being under Chief Tshabanda in Tsholotsho District. But when officials checked, they found that no such chief exists.
Under questioning, Sibanda later admitted that the photo was taken just outside the Tredgold Building earlier that day. She also revealed that Veririzhe charged her US$30 for helping her get the fake ID.
Police are now asking the public for help in finding Buhle Sibanda, who is still on the run.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/tredgold-fake-ids-masterminds-nabbed/">Chronicle</a>

Pindula News

Two people in Bulawayo were arrested for making fake national ID cards. They promised to help a woman replace her lost ID but made a fake one instead. They tried to use it at the registry office, but it was caught as fake. The woman paid $30 for the fake ID. One suspect works for a company digitizing records for the government. The woman is now running away from the police.

Two Arrested Over National ID Forgery Scheme In Bulawayo

A worker from a company contracted by the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property has been implicated in a fake national identity document scam at the Civil Registry Department’s Tredgold Building in Bulawayo.
<a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/exclusive-fake-id-syndicate-busted-in-bulawayo/">The Chronicle </a>cited sources at the Tredgold Building who said an alert Civil Registry Department official noticed an anomaly when a woman seeking a new plastic identity card arrived at the office accompanied by one of the alleged masterminds, identified only as Brian.
It is alleged that the identity document appeared genuine, except for one suspicious detail: the photo on Buhle Sibanda’s paper document matched exactly what she was wearing on the day—same clothes and makeup—despite her claim that she had kept the photocopy since obtaining the original ID in 2019. Sibanda was born in 1995.
The document also stated that she was originally from the Chief Tshabanda area in Tsholotsho; however, no such chief exists in that district.
Upon interrogation, Sibanda admitted that the photo had been taken just outside the Tredgold Building on the same day and that Brian had handled the entire process.
Investigations revealed that Brian works for a company called Dokma Private Limited, which is contracted by the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property. The company is involved in the Deeds, Lands, and Administration Systems programme, which is meant to digitise departmental operations.

A person in Bulawayo is accused of making fake identity documents at the Civil Registry Department. The fake ID had the same picture as the real one, but the person admitted it was taken that day. The person was with a man named Brian, who works for a company called Dokma Private Limited. The company is supposed to be helping with digital operations at the Department of Deeds. The Civil Registry Department found out about the fake ID when the person tried to get a new plastic ID card. It is important to always tell the truth and not use fake documents.

Fake ID Scam Exposed At Bulawayo Registry

The Civil Registry Department has said members of the public may experience temporary delays in processing essential documents due to an ongoing upgrade of the civil registration system.
In a public notice, the department, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, said that the upgrade is intended to enhance efficiency, security, and overall service delivery. It said:
<blockquote>
The Civil Registry Department wishes to advise its valued clients and stakeholders that the Department is currently upgrading the civil registration system. This upgrade is aimed at enhancing efficiency, security and service delivery.
During this period, there may be temporary disruptions or delays in processing civil registration documents and members of the public are urged to bear with us during this period.
</blockquote>

The Civil Registry Department is making their system better by upgrading it, but this may cause delays in processing important documents. They want to make sure the system works faster and is more secure. They are asking people to be patient while they make these improvements. So, people might have to wait a little longer for their documents, but it's for a good reason.

Civil Registry Department Warns Of Temporary Delays Due To System Upgrade

Zimbabwean authorities have invited pro-democracy campaigner Namatai Kwekweza to report to the Registrar-General’s Office, where she will be issued her new national identity card following what her lawyers described as an unwarranted refusal to replace her defaced national identity document.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), officials at the Civil Registry Department had on 30 October 2024 refused to replace Namatai Kwekweza’s defaced national identity card, citing that she was on a “Stop List,” prohibiting her from possessing one.
This prompted Kwekweza to engage her lawyers, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Kelvin Kabaya from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who sent a letter on 14 November 2024 to Registrar-General Henry Machiri.
The letter protested the unlawful refusal and highlighted that Kwekweza’s right to a national identity card, guaranteed under the Zimbabwean Constitution, had been violated.
The lawyers argued that Kwekweza, as a Zimbabwean citizen, was entitled to a national identity card, regardless of any pending charges.
They also noted that even convicted prisoners are entitled to an ID card, and Kwekweza had been acquitted in 2021 of the charges that had initially led to her being placed on the “Stop List.”
The lawyers gave Machiri a 48-hour deadline to allow Kwekweza to replace her identity card, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action, with Machiri personally bearing the costs for any unnecessary litigation.
On 25 November 2024, Registrar-General Henry Machiri, through Assistant Registrar-General Ben Mpala, responded by inviting Kwekweza to report to the RG’s Office to receive her new national identity card.
Kwekweza was instructed to bring her original birth certificate, a copy of it, and a receipt for the replacement fee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namatai Kwekweza, a Zimbabwean activist, was not given a new national ID card because she was on a "Stop List." However, her lawyers fought for her rights, saying everyone deserves an ID card. They argued with the Registrar-General and gave a deadline. Finally, on November 25, 2024, Namatai was told to go to the Registrar-General's office to get her new ID card. She needed to bring her birth certificate and pay a fee. This is a victory for Namatai, showing that everyone has a right to their identity.

Victory For Namatai Kwekweza As Registrar-General Agrees To Issue New National ID

The Civil Registry Department has announced the commencement of e-passport issuance at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg to Zimbabwean citizens residing in South Africa.
According to a public notice issued on Monday, July 15, 2024, the E-Passport Bio-Enrolment Centre at the consulate has now begun accepting applications for the new electronic passports.
In addition to the e-passport application service, the consulate will also be offering several other important document-related services to the Zimbabwean community. These include:
<ul>
<li>External birth applications</li>
<li>Application for duplicate marriage certificates and non-marriage certificates</li>
<li>Confirmation of certificates</li>
<li>Issuance of Temporary Travel Documents</li>
</ul>
The Civil Registry Department has strongly encouraged all Zimbabwean citizens residing in South Africa to take advantage of these services provided by the consulate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe is giving e-passports to citizens in South Africa from the consulate in Johannesburg. They can also get other important documents there, like birth certificates and marriage certificates. The Civil Registry Department wants all Zimbabweans in South Africa to use these services. This started on July 15, 2024. It's important to get these documents to travel and do other things. Make sure to take advantage of these services offered by the consulate if you are a Zimbabwean citizen living in South Africa.

Zimbabwe Consulate In Johannesburg Commences E-Passport Issuance

A witness in the trial of Apostolic sect leader, Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa, said he should be held responsible for failing to comply with the law in securing birth certificates for the children who were part of his sect at Lilly Farm in Nyabira.
As reported by <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/witness-nails-madzibaba-ishmael/">H-Metro</a>, the trial of Madzibaba Ishmael and his seven suspected accomplices resumed on Wednesday, 19 June.
Madzibaba Ishmael and his accomplices, namely Takavengwa Gwenzi (55), Siribiniyo Chikunhire (53), Wonder Kabaya (41), Devlodge Katsande (48), Zebedia Sigudu (49), Aaron Chokurongerwa (47) and Shingirai Ngavafume (42), are facing three counts of ill-treating children, conducting a burial without a burial order and failing to give notice of the birth and death of a person.
District public prosecutor Tafara Chirambira, and prosecutor Sheila Mupindu, led evidence from their second witness, Farai Gatusa.
Gatusa is an officer from the Births and Deaths registration department who went to Lily Farm on the day in question.
He testified that when they visited the farm, they were blocked from conducting their duties by Madzibaba Ishmael.
Gatusa told the court that they observed graves shown to them by Madzibaba Ishmael and about 48 children who lived on the farm did not have birth certificates.
He said the birth certificates shown to him by Madzibaba Ishmael’s lawyers were obtained in June 2024, after their visit in March.
Gatusa questioned the authenticity of the birth certificates as they were uncertified copies, which he was only made aware of in court.
He claimed the documents were obtained by Madzibaba Ishmael and his accomplices in an attempt to vindicate themselves from the offence, long after the trial had started.
Village head Nzwanai Musonza also testified that he would occasionally be called by Madzibaba Ishmael, and his accomplices, to officiate at the funerals and he thought they would have notified the authorities.
Musonza told the presiding magistrate, Christine Nyandoro, that he was shocked to learn that no action was taken to inform authorities of the church leaders.
In their defence, Madzibaba Ishmael and his accomplices argued that they did not have a guardian obligation to the minors, hence it was not their duty to take care of them.
The accused persons told the court that none of the alleged victims, nor their parents, have lodged a complaint with the police, therefore “the State should not be crying more than the bereaved.”
They further stated that they did not conduct the burial of any person without notifying authorities.
Madzibaba and his accomplices also submitted that they were not the only adults at Lily Farm and should not be held accountable.
The trial resumes on June 27.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Registry Department Official Testifies In Madzibaba Ishmael Trial

The Civil Registry Department (CRD) is set to launch an advanced online platform that allows citizens to apply for passports and national identity cards online.
The Government also intends to unveil the Zimbabwe Population Registry System (ZPRS), a platform that will act as a central database for all Zimbabwean citizens’ demographic information.
The platform, which will hold citizens’ details such as names, dates of birth and places of residence, is said to be undergoing final testing.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/passport-id-applications-go-online-2">The Sunday Mail</a>, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the online platform for citizens to apply for passports and national identity cards will start working before the end of the year. He said:
<blockquote>
The online passport application is expected to be working before the end of 2024.
The Zimbabwe Population Registry System is in the testing phase for some of the modules, and the system is expected to be implemented beginning of July 2024.
The Electronic Document and Records Management System is in its development stage and the expectation is that by the end of the year, it will be completed.
</blockquote>
Registrar-General Henry Machiri told The Sunday Mail that the online application platform should be ready by the fourth quarter of this year. He said:
<blockquote>
We anticipate being ready by the fourth quarter, but there are outstanding issues to be resolved first.
When applying online, payment processing is also a crucial aspect that needs to be functional.
The Government Internet Service Provider, a department under the Office of the President, is responsible for this aspect.
We need to ensure that all stakeholders are prepared. Based on our consultations, we expect everything to be in place by the fourth quarter.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe To Launch Online Platform For Passport And ID Applications

The Registrar-General’s office says that approximately 100,000 passports remain uncollected, and they encourage applicants to visit their offices to collect the documents.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/close-to-100-000-passports-uncollected/">Sunday News</a>, Registrar-General Henry Machiri said some of the uncollected passports were processed a long time ago and they suspect the applicants have died.
Machiri also attributed the non-collection to slight delays in processing the e-passports which may have made applicants believe the documents will not be processed. He said:
<blockquote>
We managed to clear our backlog in September 2022 and all is well, we will never have a backlog again. We have said to those that we managed to clear when we had a backlog, come and collect your passports. Some have been collected but a number have not yet been collected.
E-Passports that have been enrolled are 1 111 625, e-passports collected/issued are 1 052 169 and the total number of uncollected machine-readable passports is 96 725.
We are encouraging people to go to the offices where they submitted their applications and collect them from there. If you applied in Bulawayo go there and collect your passport.
</blockquote>
Machiri also said that the Registrar-General’s office has been notifying applicants that their passports are now ready for collection via text messages. He said:
<blockquote>
We are also trying to devise other ways of informing those who will have applied for passports that their passports are ready for collection.
We have been sending them text messages when the passport is out but one might have changed the number as they wait so we will make other plans.
Other uncollected passports are due to unfortunate events such as death. So the system we use will inform us of those who will have died while they waited to collect their documents.
We do not have these statistics readily of the deceased but we can access them.
</blockquote>
The Registrar-General revealed that an e-passport office at Gokwe Centre will be operational before the end of this month, while plans are underway to commence issuing e-passports at the Johannesburg office.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

97 000 Passports Uncollected - RG's Office

More than 45 000 Zimbabweans were issued with passports from 01 December to the 29th, the Civil Registry Department has said.
Official statistics show that 92 313 Zimbabweans applied for e-passports during the same period.
Most of the applicants wanted to beat the 01 January 2024 deadline, when passport fees go up.
Effective tomorrow, the fee for ordinary passports will rise from US$120 to US$150, while the fee for emergency passports will increase from US$200 to US$250.
Civil Registry Department Registrar-General (RG), Henry Machiri, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/45-000-e-passports-issued-in-december-applications-soar-to-90-000/">The Sunday News</a> that the unusually long queues at passport offices are in response to the imminent new fees. He said:
<blockquote>
Legally, from January 1, the new fee becomes effective and the old fee will no longer apply, so this is the reason you also see quite many people in queues during this time.
Normally, we get more people during the Christmas holiday because we have citizens in the diaspora who use the holidays to also get an opportunity to apply for new passports.
</blockquote>
Machiri said despite the large number of people who have applied for passports, the department has enough raw materials to cater for every applicant. He said:
<blockquote>
Let me also assure the nation that, despite the rise in the number of applications we are receiving, we do have enough consumables to make sure that those who are applying for their passports are getting them on time.
For the ordinary passport, it is (a maximum of) seven days and for the urgent passport, it is within 48 hours; that is, two days.
</blockquote>
The RG said old passports are still valid until their expiry date and will not be phased out soon. He said:
<blockquote>
The machine-readable passport is still a valid document. We understand people have been going around saying that it will expire after two years, which is not true.
The electronic passport is not yet mandatory. Yes, it is an advantage for Zimbabwe, as we have done, to go on the electronic passport, but our citizens who are still using the machine-readable passport should know the old passport will expire according to the validity date written in the passport.
</blockquote>
In early December, the Civil Registry Department extended working hours at passport offices from 7 AM to 7 PM during weekdays and 8 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays.
Presenting the 2024 National Budget in November, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube proposed to almost double passport fees.
Ncube had proposed to increase the fee for an ordinary passport to US$200, but the figure was later revised to US$150 following an uproar.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

45 000 E-passports Issued In December 2023 - RG

The Zimbabwean government has extended the operating hours of the Civil Registry Department in response to a surge in passport applications. Passport seekers say the surge was triggered by a proposal by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to increase passport fees from next month. The fee for an ordinary passport is set to rise from US$120 to US$200, while an emergency travel document will be priced at US$300, up from US$200.
To cope with the overwhelming demand, the Civil Registry Department announced that passport offices will now open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020562/govt-responds-to-passport-rush">NewsDay</a> reported citing a statement by the Civil Registry Department. The statement read further suggesting that the number of passport seekers usually goes up during the festive season. The statement read in part:
<blockquote>
This is in response to an increase in the number of clients visiting our passport offices.
Moreover, the recent announcement by the Government in relation to the proposed increase of passport fees with effect from 01 January 2024 has also contributed to clients rushing to apply for passports before the deadline.
With industry and schools closed, and returning citizens from the diaspora taking advantage of their visit to have their documents processed, the Department witnesses an influx of clients visiting its passport offices,” it said.
In this regard, the department is extending its operating  hours to facilitate efficient e-passport services in response to the high demand.
</blockquote>
Many Zimbabweans are seeking passports to escape the country’s ongoing socio-economic crisis and find better opportunities abroad. The passport is an essential travel document that opens up possibilities for education, employment, and a better quality of life outside the country.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Civil Registry Extends Operating Hours As Passport Applications Surge

Many people in Zimbabwe reportedly rushed to passport offices in Harare to secure travel documents before the increased fees take effect in January next year. Finance Minister, Prof Mthuli Ncube, announced in the 2024 national budget that passport fees would be raised from US$120 to US$200 prompting a surge of individuals seeking to obtain passports before the fee hike.
People in the queue outside the passport offices expressed concerns about the increased fees. They worried that the influx of applicants could make it more difficult for them to get their passports. Josephat who was in a queue that snaked from the entrance along Leopold Takawira into Herbert Chitepo Street, literally encircling the Makombe Building complex spoke to <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2023/12/05/stampede-for-passports-ahead-of-new-fees-kicking-in/">NewZiana:</a>
<blockquote>
I always wanted to obtain a passport for my personal reasons and businesses but with the 2024 national budget announcement that has hiked the fees for passports, many have turned up and I’m worried this influx might make it difficult for me to get the document. 
</blockquote>
Alice Mangena said she travelled from far away and wanted to avoid the additional expenses associated with the fee increase, such as bus fares. She said:
<blockquote>
After I heard that there will be a fees hike (for) passports, I decided to rush to get a passport before 1st of January and because I come from a far away, it will be difficult to imagine coming to pay US$200 for a passport especially when taking into consideration the bus fare and other costs associated with travelling, so I decided to come and pay for the passport now,” 
</blockquote>
Zimbabweans rely on passports for various reasons, including cross-border trading and migration in search of better opportunities. The fee increase for ordinary passports is set to impact individuals who depend on these documents for their livelihood. The fees for emergency passports are also set to rise from US$200 to US$300 starting in January.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabweans Rush To Apply For Passports As Govt Announces Plans To Increase Fees In January

The Civil Registry Department has announced that individuals who have lost their receipts after applying for and paying for their passports may use their national identity documents (IDs) to collect their travel papers.
The department has dispelled reports that the high number of uncollected passports was due to individuals losing their receipts and failing to collect their documents. Instead, the department has stated that individuals have not been responding to messages sent to their mobile phones.
Registrar-General Mr Henry Machiri clarified that if a receipt is lost, the department will retrieve the receipt number and batch number from the system using the national identity number. In addition to sending SMS messages to mobile phones, the department is using social media platforms to inform the public when to collect their passports.
The department has recently reported that it is struggling to manage the piles of uncollected passports.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the e-passport system in December 2021. The system underwent a trial run on January 18, 2022, before becoming the standard procedure for passport issuing. District offices continue to join the provincial offices in implementing the system.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Civil Registry Department Says IDs Can Be Used To Collect Passports

The Civil Registry Department will conduct a countrywide mobile registration exercise from 01 May to 31 July 2023.
Mobile teams will work from 7 AM to 5 PM, during working days, while for static offices they will work from 7 AM to 7 PM.
On weekends and public holidays, the documents will be issued between 7 AM and 4 PM.
The Department said the exercise will target those who attained 18 years intending to register as voters and eligible voters with lost identity documents which are needed on voting day.
Those who are 18 years and above and require both birth certificates and national identity documents are also set to benefit during the blitz.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said that 129 mobile teams have been deployed across the country in addition to static registry offices. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/civil-registry-extends-national-mobile-registration-exercise/">Said Kazembe</a>:
<blockquote>
A number of teams have been deployed in all provinces: Harare Metropolitan Province 9 teams, Bulawayo Metropolitan 8, Masvingo 24, Mashonaland East 9, Mashonaland West 8, Mashonaland Central 8, Manicaland 10, Matabeleland South 23, Matabeleland North 10 and Midlands 20.
Each team will be having a different number of people depending on the deployments.
This is the initial deployment but as we go through the process a lot more deployments will be made.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold general elections between 26 July and 26 August this year.
Last month, the Civil Registry Department, for nine days increased the daily working times to 12 hours during weekdays and 10 on weekends to issue national documents required for voter registration.
The registration exercise had a $24 billion budget and was being conducted together with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) mobile biometric voter registration blitz.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Registry To Conduct Another Mobile Registration Blitz

The government has extended working hours at the Civil Registry Department and also deployed mobile registration officers to issue identity documents to the public ahead of general elections scheduled to be held later this year.
In a statement, the Civil Registry Department said all static registry offices including the mobile teams will operate from 7 AM to 7 PM between Monday to Friday and from 7 AM to 5 PM on weekends.
The Civil Registry Department said the initiative is targeted at 18-year-olds and above who are intending to register as voters. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
Department is conducting a mobile registration exercise from 12 to 21 March 2023 in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Mobile Biometric Voter Registration blitz.
Mobile teams have been deployed across the country to augment the existing static registry offices.
This programme is meant to provide citizens with an opportunity to obtain national identity documents which will enable them to register as voters in the upcoming 2023 Harmonised General Elections.
The exercise is targeting those who attained 18 years of age intending to register as voters, those who lost their identity documents and are eligible to register as voters in the 2023 Harmonised General Elections and those who are 18 years and above who require both birth certificates and national identity document.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Extends Civil Registry Department Working Hours

The Civil Registry Department has announced that Bulawayo and Harare passport offices will no longer be operating on Saturdays.
In a statement, the Civil Registry Department, said from Monday 27 February, passport offices will be operating from 7.45 am to 4.45 pm from Mondays to Fridays. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Extra hours will be implemented whenever it is necessary. The Civil Registry Department would also like to remind members of the public that the e-passports can be accessed at the Harare passport office, Bulawayo Provincial registry, Chinhoyi Provincial, Gweru provincial registry, Lupane provincial registry, Marondera provincial registry office, Murewa district registry, Beitbridge district registry, Chitungwiza district registry, Hwange district registry, Zvishavane district registry.
</blockquote>
The department said an e-passport which can be issued within seven working days costs US$120.
Emergency e-passports that are issued within 48 hours can be accessed at US$220.

Passport Offices To Close On Saturdays

The Civil Registry Department is set to embark on a mop-up mobile national registration blitz ahead of general elections that will be held later this year.
In a ministerial statement that he delivered in the National Assembly on Thursday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, said:
<blockquote>
Preparations are underway to conduct a mop-up national mobile registration exercise before the general elections.
This is an opportunity that will be given to those who failed to obtain or replace their identity documents during the initial exercise.
The dates for the mop-up exercise will be announced in due course.
</blockquote>
Last year, the Civil Registry Department conducted a similar exercise between April and September.
The Department said it issued 1 804 256 birth certificates,1 345 719 national identity documents and 53 414 death certificates during the period.
Kazembe said the mop-up mobile national registration blitz will be done at no cost to individuals and would be held before the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) embarks on its voter registration blitz.

Civil Registry Department Set Conduct A Mop-up Registration Blitz

The Civil Registry Department says it has increased the production of passports, with Harare now producing about 1 300 passports per day from under 1 000.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/registry-clears-festive-season-passport-demand/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday, Registrar-General Henry Machiri said there has been a sharp increase in the number of passport applications during the festive season.
He said that in order to meet demand, they are working on weekends and have extended working hours and also increased personnel servicing passport applicants. Said Machiri:
<blockquote>
The situation is that people are still coming. Diasporans are still around, and we are working as we said, those extra hours and we are managing.
We cannot say the numbers have really dwindled. As long as they (Diasporans) are still around, numbers are still there.
But we expect that in the next two weeks, the numbers will be going down as some collect their passports, but we are managing.
</blockquote>

Demand For Passports Surged During Festive Season

Two people who were waiting to apply for national identity documents sustained minor bruises when a whirlwind blew the roofs off two classroom blocks at Gomoza Primary School in Lupane on Friday last week.
One of the classrooms was being used as a temporary registration centre by a team from the Civil Registry Department.
Lupane East legislator Mbongeni Dube (ZANU PF) said the school was appealing for funds and materials from well-wishers to be able to repair the damaged buildings. Said, Dube:
<blockquote>
The whirlwind came from nowhere and hit the school on Friday. Two blocks had their roofs blown off and in one of the blocks was the mobile registration team carrying out mobile registration. Two people who were waiting to apply for identity documents were injured.
We are happy that there were no serious injuries and no machines or school equipment was damaged although people are still in shock.
We appeal to the Civil Protection Committee and well-wishers to help the school renovate the damaged classroom blocks so that lessons are not disturbed next week.
We are a district that struggles with the pass rate and we don’t want anything that negates the efforts being made to improve the pass rate.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/two-injured-after-whirlwind-boys-off-classroom-blocks-roofs/">Chronicle</a>

Two Injured After Whirlwind Strikes Classroom Blocks

The Civil Registry Department has warned members of the public of the existence of a fake website that claims it can facilitate online e-passport applications.
In a press statement released on 19 May, the Civil Registry Department said it has learnt of a fake website: <a href="http://www.zimpassport.online/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.zimpassport.online</a> (Central Registry-Apply for Zimbabwean Passport), which claims to be able to process online passport applications for Zimbabweans. Said the Civil Registry Department:
The account is misrepresented as the official account and used to swindle applicants of their hard-earned money.
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The Civil Registry Department dissociates itself from the website and cautions members of the public against seeking services through the website.
The department will not be held accountable for any loss or prejudice that may be suffered by engaging the fake website.
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The Civil Registry Department said that at present, it is only offering an online booking facility available for the convenience of citizens and not an online payment service through PayPal. It said:
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Finally, members of the public are hereby advised to approach our designated offices or embassies in the case of our citizens based in the Diaspora.
We urge our citizens to rely on verified information which the department disseminates through its official website:  <a href="http://www.rg.gov.zw/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.rg.gov.zw</a> and social media platforms (Twitter handles @CivilRegZim, Facebook page: Civil Registry Department Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Twitter handle or contact us on +263242702295-9.
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Zimbabweans can apply for the e-passport on the booking system on the website: <a href="http://expresscentrezw.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">http://expresscentrezw.com/</a>, which gives instructions on available booking schedules.
An ordinary e-passport costs US$120 and takes seven days to be processed while an express passport, which comes out after 48 hours costs US$220.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/civil-registry-warns-of-fake-e-passport-application-website/">CITE</a></h4>

Civil Registry Department Warns Of Fake E-passport Application Website

The uncompleted Civil Registry Department building in Harare has become a danger to employees and visitors as it has developed cracks in some places.
The construction of the building started in 1997 and it was set to be commissioned in the year 2000 but is yet to be completed due to a lack of funds.
This was revealed by the Director of Public Works in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mike Dzimati, on Monday.
He was speaking during a hearing on the state of government-funded projects around the country by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs Monday. Said Dzimati:
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The building construction commenced in 1997 but we have had challenges. The building has water leakages; the elevators do not function; it has cracks and we are worried about the safety of employees.
We want to complete the project. The construction of the building should have been completed by May 2000. Energy Private Company was contacted to do the work in a fix and supply agreement.
Due to delays in funds disbursement, the physical structure of the building was completed in 2003 but due to material price escalation, material shortages and brain drain, the project stalled between 2004 and 2008.
The government underfunded the project which initially was overpriced to US$23 million but was reduced to US$4 million, then revised to US$9,6 million after negotiations with the contractor.
Delays by the Treasury in making payments led to more delays in the completion of the physical structure.
This was worsened by a lack of trust in contractors who refused to use their own resources to fund the project.
The building has no certificate of occupation or commission.
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Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs chairperson, who is also Umzingwane legislator, Levi Mayihlome (ZANU PF), urged the government to do projects that can be funded.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/new-registry-building-cracks-a-danger-to-employees-visitors/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

New Registry Building Develops Cracks Before Completion

The Civil Registry Department has said its Harare passport office will be open on Saturdays to cater for people applying for the newly-introduced electronic passport (e-passport).
In a statement, the Department said the operating hours will be between 8 AM and 3 PM.
However, the office will only serve people applying for e-passports and not other national documents which will be issued during weekdays. The statement read:
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The Civil Registry Department wishes to advise its valued clients and stakeholders that the Harare Passport Office will now be open on Saturdays to assist all persons applying for the e-passport. The operating hours will be between 0800hours and 1500hours.
The window has been specifically opened for the convenience of persons applying for the e-passport only and not any other national documents, which will ordinarily be issued during the normal weekday operating times.
As the department continues to devise strategies to enhance service delivery, we anticipate that these extended operating hours will tremendously facilitate efficient e-passport services in response to the high demand for the e-passport.
The department, therefore, urges citizens to take advantage of the extended operating hours to apply for their passports.
The department reaffirms its commitment to improving service delivery through the issuance of vital registration and travel documents for the benefit of all citizens.
The nation will be kept abreast of any specific developments and modalities regarding the rollout of this exercise.
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<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/passport-office-now-open-on-saturday/">The Herald</a></h4>

Harare Passport Office Now Open On Saturdays

The Civil Registry Department will be open this weekend (Saturday, 26 June and Sunday, 27 June 2021) to allow exam class students to get their national identification documents.
All Registry Offices across the country will issue national IDs to students who will be sitting for their Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations later this year.
The offices will be open from 8 AM to 3 PM on Saturday and Sunday to cater for learners.
Pindula News publishes the statement from the Department of Civil Registry below:
<blockquote>OPENING OF REGISTRY OFFICES ON 26 AND 27 JUNE 2021 FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NATIONAL IDENTITY DOCUMENTS
Following the recent receipt of consumables required for the securitization of ID’s, which have since been dispatched to all provinces and districts, the Civil Registry Department wishes to advise its valued clients and members of the public, that it will be issuing IDs to candidates intending to sit for the General Certificate in Education (GCE) Ordinary and Advanced Level in the November 2021 Examinations.
All candidates intending to sit for the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations but do not possess ID’s which are required for registration are advised to visit the nearest Civil Registry Offices countrywide from Saturday 26 June to Sunday 27 June 2021 between 0800-1500 hrs.
This special exercise is over and above the Civil Registry’s normal operating hours during weekdays.
Learners are therefore advised to bring the following documents as they apply for IDs;
i. Original long or short birth certificate and copy.
ii. I.D of either parent.
iii. Death certificate (for those having a deceased parent(s).
This current exercise has specifically targeted learners, given the impending registration deadline for November Examinations.
Should the need arise to extend the rollout of this programme, similar action will be taken in future.
We also acknowledge that apart from learners, the rest of our citizens require access to ID’s which are a constitutional right.
Accordingly, the Civil Registry Department takes this opportunity to advise the nation that it will be launching similar programmes in the future.</blockquote>

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