TWO ZIMBABWEAN TRUCK DRIVERS ARRESTED FOR AIDING ILLEGAL MIGRATION, NINE ETHIOPIANS INTERCEPTED IN KAZUNGULA
The Department of Immigration in Kazungula District of Southern Province has arrested two Zimbabwean truck drivers, Joel Mhenyu (53) and Pfidzai Chipuriro (36), for aiding and abetting the illegal entry of nine Ethiopian nationals into Zambia.
The two drivers were intercepted while attempting to exit Zambia through Kazungula en route to South Africa. During the operation, Immigration Officers discovered nine Ethiopian males aged between 20 and 33 concealed within compartments in the chassis of two Volvo trucks bearing registration numbers KFW 830 MP and KFW 827 MP.
The Ethiopian nationals were subsequently apprehended for failure to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer when exiting Zambia, contrary to the provisions of the Immigration and Deportation Act, Chapter 123 of the Laws of Zambia. Preliminary investigations indicate that the Ethiopian nationals had been hidden within the trucks in an apparent attempt to evade immigration controls while leaving the country.
The Department has since launched further investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted illegal exit and the extent of the involvement of the two truck drivers in facilitating the unlawful movement of the Ethiopian nationals.
The Department of Immigration wishes to caution transporters and members of the public against engaging in activities that facilitate illegal migration. Individuals found aiding, abetting, harbouring or transporting prohibited immigrants risk prosecution and severe penalties under the Immigration and Deportation Act. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected immigration offences to the nearest Immigration Office or through the Department's established reporting channels.
Photos taken by Zambia Department of Immigration
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