A traditional leader from Masvingo Province has appeared before the courts over border jumping and was fined ZW$40 000.
Chief Maranda of Mwenezi was also convicted of bribery.
The 46-year-old Mwenezi leader was arrested after trying to cross into South Africa without a valid passport using an illegal crossing point.
Upon being intercepted by a police officer, Chief Maranda produced an R100 bribe.
The Chief’s legal counsel Jabulani Mberesi and Muchiwande Sithole pleaded for a lighter sentence arguing that the accused is a first offender.
In his ruling, Beitbridge Resident Magistrate Tafadzwa Gwazemba stated that Chief Maranda has a great moral responsibility as a traditional leader hence he should lead by example.
The traditional leader faces two months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.
Many people have over the past two decades used illegal entry points to enter neighbouring South Africa.
Most of them will be fleeing from the biting economy, some will be seeking refuge after being persecuted by political opponents while some will be fleeing justice after breaking the law.
Chief Maranda’s case comes when some Zimbabweans are being persecuted eMzansi for taking jobs “belonging to South Africans.”
More: Pindula News; ZBC News (Innocent Nxumalo)