The Nyimba Immigration Office has detained five Zambians in connection with the case of aiding and abetting 27 undocumented Ethiopians.
In a statement today, Immigration Department Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka identified Chrispin Mwanza (34) of Chipata, Luckson Banda (34) of Nyimba, Alphonso Phiri (35), Haggai Sakala (33), and Shaderick Jere (37) all of Katete were in the early hours of today intercepted at Kacholola checkpoint by Police and Zambia National Service Officers.
Mr. Nshinka said they were carrying the 27 undocumented male Ethiopians aged between 12 and 27 in three Toyota Sienta Vehicles Registration numbers BBD 889, ARC 6049 and ARC 5575. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Mr. Nsinka further stated that the Petauke Immigration Office on 5th August, 2024 apprehended 27 Malawian nationals destined for South Africa and Zimbabwe due to inconsistencies in the real purpose of travelling to the two countries and using forged travel documents.
He said the group consisting 24 males and three females aged between 23 and 42 was intercepted by alert Immigration Officers at Kabele Checkpoint about 15 km from Petauke aboard a Public Service Bus.
And Mr. Shinka said during an onboard immigration status check the Officers noticed some inconsistencies in some of the suspects’ stories regarding their reasons for embarking on their journeys.
“Most of the suspects had fake travel documents. For instance, some males had travel documents bearing female names while passport-size photos on some passports appeared to have been substituted. In addition, they all failed to show proof of financial means to complete their journeys let alone sustain their stay in the countries of destination. They are all detained pending further investigations.” Mr. Nshinka said
And Mr. Nshinka revealed that the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office on 5th August, 2024 apprehended 28 suspected Prohibited Immigrants of different nationalities in a routine clean-up operation conducted in various parts of Lusaka and they are all detained pending screening and possible prosecution.
Additionally, Mr. Nshinka said on 5th August, 2024, the Kafue Immigration Office apprehended 14 Congolese nationals for possession of travel documents bearing suspected fake immigration endorsements.
He said the group comprising seven males and seven females along with six children was intercepted at the Kafue Checkpoint in a Zimbabwe-bound Public Service Bus.
Mr. Nshinka further stated that the adults are detained while the children are under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare pending further investigations.
He also noted that the Nyimba, Petauke, Lusaka and Kafue incidents brought the number of suspects apprehended for various immigration offences countrywide between 1st and 5th August, 2024 to 207.
In another development, Mr. Nshinka said the Ndola Regional Immigration Office on 1st August, 2024 secured the conviction of a 23-year-old Egyptian Power Link Agencies’ Operations Manager Ragab Ahmed Abdelmaksoul Aly for failing to comply with conditions stipulated in his Employment Permit contrary to section 28(4)(a) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No.18 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr. Nshinka stated that the convict was sentenced to pay a fine of K 7,000 or in default nine months simple imprisonment. He was apprehended on 31st July, 2024 in Ndola’s Minsundu Area during a routine operation after he failed to comply with the conditions of his Employment Permit when he was found selling assorted household goods in a silver Toyota Ipsum Registration No. ATB 2545.
He said the Ndola judgement brought the number of convictions secured by the Department of Immigration on 1st August, 2024 to nine.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka said the Department of Immigration between 1st and 5th August, 2024 removed 66 illegal immigrants from the country and refused entry to ten foreign nationals for failing to meet entry requirements.
“We wish to warn foreign nationals who intend to access this country using unlawful means that our officers across the country are alert to thwart any such attempts. The Department will not hesitate to arrest anyone found wanting. We also wish to commend other Law enforcement Agencies for their immense support in our efforts to curb illegal immigration. We are committed to strengthening our collaboration with both State and Non-State Actors, including members of the public in enforcing the Immigration and Deportation Act.” Mr. Nshinka warned
