A 39-year-old Egyptian national brought business to a standstill at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after sneaking out of police custody and taking to his heels, just as he was about to appear in court.
Abdelmonem Abdelwahed Abdelrahman Obia was answering to charges of contravening the Immigration Act when he pulled a stunt at the court.
The court heard Obia evaded the officers undetected and was only seen running towards Civic Centre grounds, bringing business at the courts to a standstill.
He was later apprehended with the help of members of the public, before he was taken back to court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges.
Provincial magistrate, Elijah Makomo sentenced Obia to two months imprisonment, with an option to pay a $300 fine and also issued an order for his deportation.
According to the State, Obia had been living in Zimbabwe illegally since 2005 and was only arrested following a tip-off.
Immigration officers traced and arrested him in Borrowdale, where he was staying.
