The Department of Immigration on the Copperbelt yesterday apprehended 111 suspected illegal immigrants in a clean-up operation.
The operation was executed simultaneously in Ndola, Kitwe, Chililabombwe, Chingola, Mufulira, Mokambo Border and Luanshya from 05:30 to 16:30 hours.
Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka says a total of 90 suspects of different nationalities including Burundians, Congolese, Kenyans, Portuguese, Somalis and Tanzanians, were detained pending further screening and possible prosecution.
And Mr, Nshinka said 18 persons, 8 of whom had Immigration Permits were requested to report to respective Immigration Offices for further immigration formalities.
“Among those who had Immigration Permits was a 46-year-old Tanzanian Truck Driver, Jama Mohamed Haji Abdullah who was intercepted at the ZNS military checkpoint along the Mufulira Road,” said Mr. Nshinka in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said Abdullah was driving a Petrol laden Mozambican Registered Mitsubishi tanker truck, when his Employment Permit only allowed him to work as an Automotive Mechanic Specialist. Two Congolese nationals were served with notices to leave the country immediately, while one Congolese who had overstayed by five days paid for a Temporary Permit to wind-up and leave the Country.
Mr. Nshinka said the Copperbelt operation brought the number of persons apprehended by the Department of Immigration for various immigration offences countrywide between 27th and 30th May, 2024 to 222.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka said 30th May, 2024, the Petauke Magistrate Court convicted and sentenced a 19-year-old Malawian to 12 months simple imprisonment without the option of a fine for illegal entry.
He said Jonathan Phiri was arrested on 19th May, 2024 at a Checkpoint within Petauke district from a Chipata-bound public service bus, after he failed to produce proof of legal immigration status.
By Eva Hatontola
