By Liz Dlodlo
Zimbabwe’s Consulate in South Africa has warned people seeking its services to avoid engaging third parties whom in most cases have turned out to be conmen.
The consulate said in a public notice this week that it was disturbed by the growing concerns from Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country, who continue to fall victim to dubious characters.
“It has come to our attention of the Consul General that our valued clients are becoming victims of conmen who are duping hem of their hard earned cash based on false promises that these cheaters would assist the appointment seeking individuals to secure an appointment with the consulate.
Please kindly note that the appointment systems are computerized and as such it is not possible for any individual, including consulate officials to influence the allocation of slots,” said the consulate.
The Zimbabwe Embassy introduced the online appointment system of clients in South Africa in line with lockdown protocols under level one to keep the human interface at minimal.
Those seeking services have to book prior to them going to the offices physically should there be any need.
According to the notice, confirmed booking s are finalized and printed in advance and hence no amendments may be effected on the day of service.
“Admission is based on the registered identification details. For this reason, it is not possible to buy or sell appointments.
The registered details can be easily verified electronically on the database, consequently, fake appointments can be easily detected and the appointment system is centralized, and no admissions can be made outside the set procedure,” read the notice.
Most services including documentation- issuing of birth, national Identification documents and passports were suspended at the beginning of the lockdown in March.
They were gradually re-opened in August.
However, the embassy continued processing (online) the repatriations of human remains for burials (in Zimbabwe), deportations and returning residents.
The consulate said it is currently having a high demand of services and appealed to those who no longer need prior appointments to cancel their appointment to create space for others needing urgent attention.
