The Department of Immigration in Kasempa has detained thirty-eight suspected illegal immigrants for engaging in business without permits.
The male suspects comprising 33 Tanzanians, four persons claiming to be Zambians, and one Congolese aged between 19 and 52 were apprehended in Kasempa District’s Dengwe Area during a two-day joint operation conducted with Police.
Department Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka told RCV News today, that the operation which started in the late hours of Sunday, 22nd September up to Monday, 23rd September at around 18:00 hours was aimed at curbing illegal mining in the area.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the Tanzanians and Congolese had entered the country as ordinary visitors using Emergency Travel Documents but were found engaging in illegal mining activities in the Area,” said Mr. Nshinka.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka said the Department is still working on discovering the true national identity of the four suspects claiming Zambian citizenship.
He said all the suspects are detained at the Kasempa Correctional Facility pending further investigations and possible prosecution.
And the Department of Immigration on 23rd September 2024 apprehended 30 persons of different nationalities countrywide for various immigration offences, removed 28 illegal immigrants from the country and secured eight convictions.
By Margaret Mwanza
