50 suspected illegal immigrants, two Zambian traffickers arrested by Immigration officials

Zambia’s Immigration Department has reportedly arrested 50 Ethiopians for unlawfully entry, along with two Zambian citizens who were aiding them.

Immigration Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, disclosed in a statement in Lusaka that the undocumented Ethiopian nationals were aged between 14 and 35.

Nshinka explained that the two Zambians involved in the alleged crime were identified as Blessing Tembo, 28, from Lusaka’s Garden House and Benson Mfula, 32, from Petauke District.

He said the suspects were nabbed one kilometer from the Luangwa Bridge.

“They were travelling in a Lusaka-bound UD Croner Truck Registration number CAA 4229 belonging to Freshmark, Shoprite Holding’s fruit and vegetable distribution arm,” Nshinka said.

He further explained that officers at Luangwa offices received a tip-off from a member of the public who reported having spotted a Shoprite-branded truck carrying suspected illegal immigrants accompanied by a Silver Toyota Corolla registration number ALE 5181.

“The officers found the truck parked and requested the driver Blessing Tembo to open the truck’s container, which he eventually did after initially refusing to comply,” he added.

Nshinka narrated that the officers found 50 Ethiopians and Mfula inside the Container.

“There were no other items or goods in the truck and the Silver Toyota Corolla was not found at the scene,” he said.

Nshinka stated that the suspects were detained at Luangwa Police Station pending prosecution.

“The Department intends to charge the two Zambians with the offence of aiding and abetting and the Ethiopians with illegal entry and unlawful stay,” he added.

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