Police arrest 12 illegal immigrants, two Zambians for human trafficking in Luangwa District

Police in Luangwa District have arrested 12 illegal immigrants believed to be Somali nationals, along with two Zambian drivers.

Police Assistant Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, stated that police officers at the Luangwa Bridge Security checkpoint intercepted three motor vehicles in transit from Eastern Province.

“Among these vehicles, the officers intercepted a Toyota Corolla with the registration number ALP 2104.

“Upon inspection, it was discovered to be carrying 12 suspected illegal immigrants and was being driven by Harrison Kapila, a 27-year-old resident of Riverside in Petauke District,” Chilabi said.

Furthermore, Chilubi indicated that another vehicle, a Toyota Sprinter with the registration number ALV 7732, was found abandoned at a location some distance before the checkpoint, as the driver and other immigrants had fled the vehicle prior to the officers’ arrival.

“The third vehicle involved was a Toyota Harrier with the registration number BAE 9748, which was driven by Elias Mwanza, a 26-year-old resident of Chimate Compound in Petauke District.” he said.

Chilubi said that the suspects had been detained in custody and that three motor vehicles associated with migrant smuggling syndicate were seized.

“This occurred on October 18, 2023, around 23:00 hours, near the Luangwa, Feira and Great East Road junction.” he added.

He added that the department of immigration had joined in the investigations and that a manhunt for the other accomplices had been instituted.

Contributed by Emmanuel Lungu

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