By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Department of Immigration in Chililabombwe has detained 58 persons of different nationalities for various immigration offences.
Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka said this was during a Ndola Regional Immigration Office-led clean-up operation carried out within Chililabombwe November 25, 2021 with support from other security wings.
Mr Nshinka said the operation was aimed at ridding Chililabombwe of illegal immigrants following numerous complaints of an influx of illegal immigrants by members of the public.
He said the initial number of those apprehended was 82, 24 persons were released unconditionally after initial screening, leaving only 58 suspects, who are currently detained at Chingola Correctional Facility pending further formalities.
Meanwhile, a Chipata Regional Immigration Office-led investigation on November 19, 2021 led to the arrest of a 43-year-old Burundian national, John Obed Bukuru for allegedly being one of the primary facilitators of the smuggling of Ethiopians, prevalent in Eastern Province.
Mr Nshinka said the investigation was triggered by reports that he had arranged for the unlawful release from custody of four Ethiopian nationals, for their onward smuggling into Malawi.
He said Bukuru was arrested by Immigration Officers working undercover at Mugabi turn-off in the Mwami border area of Chipata District.
“This was after he attempted to pay the Officers believing that he had struck a deal with them for the release of the Ethiopians. Two Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand Malawian Kwacha and pornographic videos were found in his possession following a search. He is detained at Namuseche correctional facility in Chipata pending possible prosecution,” he said.
Mr Nshinka said he will be charged with the offences of illegal entry, unlawful stay, and attempted smuggling.
He said the Office is also seriously considering engaging relevant authorities for the additional charges of bribing a public Officer and possession of pornographic materials.
Mr Nshinka said the two operations demonstrate the resolute resolve of the Department of Immigration in ridding the country of illegal immigrants and combating transnational crimes of human trafficking and smuggling, which are becoming ever so sophisticated.
