By 
Police in Lusaka have intercepted a human trafficking operation involving 13 Ethiopian nationals who were en route to South Africa.
During routine patrols, officers from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Police Station set up a screening point at Hellensdale Junction, near Kalimba Farms, and stopped a suspicious vehicle—a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus with registration number ABF 4650.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, in a statement issued on Monday, revealed that the vehicle, with fully tinted windows and a red number plate painted black, drew suspicion.
Upon inspection, officers discovered individuals lying on top of one another inside the van.
“When questioned, the driver and two accomplices abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Although officers pursued them, they escaped into a nearby farm,” Hamoonga said.
Inside the vehicle, police found 13 Ethiopian men who appeared frail and weak. Preliminary interviews revealed they had traveled from Ethiopia, passing through Kenya and Tanzania, before heading to South Africa to meet an unidentified individual.
Reinforcements were called, and all 13 victims were taken into protective custody for further questioning.
Read More: Lusaka police arrest gang leader ‘viper’ allegedly linked to violent crimes
Two suspects—driver Siaumpe Kaumbe and Patrick Kombe, an unlicensed driver—were later apprehended, while a third suspect remains at large.
Hamoonga stated that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the trafficking network responsible for facilitating the crime.
“The Zambia Police Service remains committed to combatting human trafficking and ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals,” he said.
Hamoonga urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments