Affidavit Form Zimbabwe

What Is an Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement of facts made voluntarily under oath or affirmation. In Zimbabwe, affidavits are used extensively in court proceedings, government applications, immigration matters, and business transactions. The person making the affidavit (the deponent) swears that the contents are true and correct, and making a false affidavit is a criminal offence (perjury) under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].

When Do You Need an Affidavit?

• Court proceedings — Supporting applications, opposing matters, interlocutory relief
• Immigration — Supporting visa applications, confirming relationships
• Name change — Supporting a name change application
• Lost documents — Declaring loss of ID, passport, title deed, or certificate
• Business registrations — Confirming facts for the Registrar of Companies
• Property transactions — Confirming marital status, ownership, or beneficiaries
• Insurance claims — Confirming theft, loss, or damage
• Pension/benefit claims — Confirming dependency or relationship

Structure of a Zimbabwe Affidavit

A properly drafted affidavit in Zimbabwe follows this structure:

1. Heading — The case number (if for court), the parties, and the court name
2. Identity of deponent — "I, the undersigned, [FULL NAME], do hereby make oath and say:"
3. Personal details — ID number, age, address, occupation
4. Numbered paragraphs — Each fact stated in a separate numbered paragraph
5. Verification — "The facts stated herein are within my personal knowledge and are true and correct"
6. Signature — Deponent signs each page
7. Commissioner's jurat — The Commissioner of Oaths certifies, signs, stamps, and dates

Who Can Commission an Affidavit?

Under the Commissioners of Oaths Act [Chapter 5:01], the following persons can commission affidavits:

Affidavits From Abroad

If you are a Zimbabwean in the diaspora, you can get an affidavit commissioned:

• At a Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate — They have Commissioners of Oaths on staff
• Before a Notary Public in your country — The affidavit may need to be apostilled or authenticated for use in Zimbabwe
• Before a Commissioner of Oaths — In South Africa, Commissioners are available at police stations and law firms

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Hearsay — Only state facts within your personal knowledge. If relying on information from others, state "I have been informed by [person] that..."
• Vague statements — Be specific with dates, amounts, names, and places
• Unsigned pages — Each page should be initialled by the deponent and the Commissioner
• Missing stamp — The Commissioner's official stamp or seal must be on the last page
• Alterations — Do not use correction fluid; any corrections must be initialled

Related Documents

• Power of Attorney — Often accompanied by a supporting affidavit
• Name Change — Requires a supporting affidavit
• Police Clearance — May require an affidavit if applying from abroad
• Divorce Papers — Court applications require founding affidavits

Frequently Asked Questions