Lusaka ~ Saturday, 8 October 2022
By Brightwell Chabusha
Two government divers have been nabbed for suspected human smuggling.
The duo was intercepted by Immigration Officers at Kateshi Toll Gate on the Kasama-Mbala Road aboard a Lusaka-bound maroon Mitsubishi Pajero Government Vehicle carrying nine undocumented Burundians.
Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka said the drivers are aged 44 and 46 of Lusaka West and Mtendere, respectively.
Mr Nshinka said the officers intercepted the Vehicle in the early hours of Friday, 7th October 2022, following a tip-off from members of the public.
“The Zambians and the Burundians are currently detained at Milima Correctional Facility pending prosecution, while the Vehicle has been impounded and is parked at Kasama Regional Immigration Office,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office has detained eight (
Ethiopians for illegal entry. The eight ( were among ten (10) Ethiopians handed over to Immigration by the Police after they were intercepted at the Palabana Police Checkpoint aboard a Lusaka-bound Toyota Runx Registration Number ALV 4756 on 6th October 2022. The two (2) other Ethiopians could not be taken into custody due to ill health. Meanwhile, the Driver of the Runx managed to escape.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration in Lusaka removed 34 Ethiopians from the country yesterday.
And between 3rd and 6th October, the Department apprehended 91 persons for various immigration offences, secured 72 convictions, and refused 16 foreign nationals entry into Zambia for failing to meet various entry requirements.
“The arrest of the two (2) Government Employed Drivers should serve as a timely warning to all who are in the habit of assisting illegal immigrants and a reminder that no one is above the law and that anyone found wanting will be prosecuted,” said Mr Nshinka.
“The Department also wishes to advise motor vehicle owners and those in charge of Government transport in various Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to warn drivers of these vehicles to desist from using the vehicles in the commission of offences.”