By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Department of Immigration in Petauke District has detained thirty-one (31) Ethiopian nationals for unlawful entry.
This was after they were handed over to the Petauke Immigration Office by the Police.
Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka said the 31 Ethiopians, together with three Zambians were on a Lusaka bound Grey Toyota Hiace Motor Vehicle Registration Number BAJ 4651 when they were apprehended in the early hours of 25th August 2021.
Mr Nshinka said this was after the occupants of the Toyota Hiace abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape upon noticing a checkpoint mounted by Police.
He said none of the Ethiopians had any documentation on them at the time of the incident.
Mr Nshinka said they are currently detained at Petauke Correctional facility pending further investigations.
Meanwhile, the Mbala Immigration Office has secured the conviction of twelve (12) Ethiopians for the offence of unlawful entry contrary to to the Immigration and Deportation Act of the Laws of Zambia.
Similarly, the Department of Immigration in Lusaka on 26th August, 2021 secured the conviction of a 52 year old Zambian Emmanuel Mbuzi for illegal immigration consultancy and assisting a prohibited immigrant to remain in the country.
The Department of Immigration in Mwinilunga on 20th August, 2021 also secured the conviction of a Congolese national CelestieKasongo (20) for the offences of failing to appear before an Immigration Officer on entry and unlawful stay
Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration between 20th and 26th August 2021 removed forty-seven (47) illegal immigrants from the country and refused twelve (12) foreign nationals entry into Zambia for failing to meet entry requirements.
