01-08-2024 – The Lusaka Magistrate Court on 30th July, 2024 convicted a 33-year-old Zambian, John Mukulama for attempting to smuggle ten undocumented Ethiopian nationals contrary to section 12 and 9(1) of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act 2008. He was apprehended by Immigration Officers on 9th December, 2022 after 10 undocumented Ethiopians were rescued from a house located in Chisamba District’s 13 Miles Area where they had been locked up in an unfurnished house with only three small mattresses and scanty food stuffs. John Mukulama claimed to be a caretaker of the house instructed by a lady only known as Mrs. Mtonga to receive and harbour the undocumented immigrants. Interviews with the Landlord revealed that the house had been rented by Mrs. Mtonga who avoided to meet in person but rather paid rentals via mobile money. The Lusaka Magistrate Court committed the convict to the High Court for sentencing.
Similarly, the Mufulira Magistrate Court on 30th July, 2024 convicted and sentenced a 30-year-old Zambian, Augustine Mwansa to a fine of K 20,000 or in default nine months imprisonment with hard labour for aiding and abetting a Somali Refugee. The Lusaka and Mufulira Court outcomes brought the number of convictions secured by the Department of Immigration between 16th and 31st July, 2024 to 174.
Further, the Department of Immigration has apprehended 80 suspected illegal immigrants in two separate routine operations conducted in various parts of Lusaka and Kabwe. The Lusaka operation was conducted on 29th July, 2024 resulting in the arrest of 35 individuals of different nationalities while the Kabwe operation was undertaken on 19th July, 2024 culminating into the arrest of 45 persons of different nationalities. The two operations brought the number of persons apprehended by the Department of Immigration between 16th and 31st July, 2024 countrywide to 477.
Furthermore, the Department of Immigration in Lusaka on 16th July, 2024 removed 56 Ethiopian, including seven Juveniles who had been smuggled in various parts of the country. They were removed aboard Ethiopian Airline via Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. The removal of the Ethiopians brought the number of illegal immigrants of different nationalities removed from the country between 16th and 31st July, 2024 to 301.
In addition, the Department of Immigration between 16th and 31st July, 2024 received 53 Zambians removed from neighbouring countries for committing various offences. Forty-eight (48) were received by Officers at Katima Mulilo Border control for illegal entry, unlawful stay and engaging in business without a permit in Namibia. The other five Zambians were received by Officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport after serving sentences for unlawful stay. Four Zambians served three months jail sentences while one paid a R4000 Court fine in South Africa.