109 illegal immigrants arrested 

109 illegal immigrants arrested 

By Mast Reporter

THE Department of Immigration has arrested 109 illegal immigrants during its routine operations in Chipata, Vubwi and Lusaka.

Chief public relations officer Namati Nshinka said the routine clean-up operation was conducted on April 18 and 19 in Vubwi, Lusaka and Chipata.

Nshinka said about 46 suspected prohibited immigrants of different nationalities were apprehended in Vubwi by the Sindamisale Immigration Office.

He said in Lusaka, 44 were apprehended on April 19, among them 41 Burundians, two Congolese and a Tanzanian.

“They were nabbed in Misisi, Kanyama, Matero, Chawama and Kamwala after they were found selling in grocery shops without valid immigration permits. They are detained pending screening and possible prosecution,” Nshinka said.

He said in Chipata, 11 Malawians aged between 19 and 52 years were apprehended for unlawful entry into Zambia and engaging in business without the requisite permits.

Nshinka said the arrests were done during a routine operation conducted on April 18 in Chipangali District by officers from the Chipata Regional Immigration Office.

“Two Zambians were also picked up for aiding and harbouring nine of the undocumented Malawians. Preliminary investigations revealed that two Zambians, identified as Sanford Banda, 32, of Chilabo Village and Maliud Phiri ,46, of Mutela Village, both in Chipangali District, aided and harboured nine of the 11 undocumented Malawians.

It was established that Banda had travelled to Malawi, where he recruited four individuals from Chief Mkanda’s area and brought them to work illegally as tobacco harvesters on his farm.

“Likewise Mr Phiri hired five undocumented Malawians for similar work on his farm. All 13 suspects, including the two Zambian nationals, are currently detained pending prosecution,” Nshinka said.

Nshinka also said six more Malawians were arrested for illegal entry into Zambia.

He said the arrests were ongoing efforts to curb the emerging trends in which foreigners were entering the country under false pretences, with the intent to exploit the asylum system and engage in unauthorised economic activities, particularly the operation of small businesses such as grocery shops.

“The department reiterates its commitment to upholding Zambia’s immigration laws and ensuring that all foreigners comply with entry and residence requirements. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected immigration violations to the nearest immigration office,” Nshinka said.