The Department of Immigration on 24th August 2024 removed 39 Ethiopian nationals from the country, majority of whom were involved in suspected cases of smuggling of migrants and human trafficking.
They were removed via Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard Ethiopian Airlines, bringing the total number of Ethiopians removed from the country between 17th February and 24th August, 2024 to 557.
Immigration Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, says arrangements to remove the remaining over 300 Ethiopians, who are in various correctional facilities across the country, have since reached an advanced stage.
And Mr. Nshinka said the Solwezi Immigration Office on 26th August, 2024 served 44 Tanzanians aged between 19 and 55 with notices to leave the country for giving false information to an Immigration Officer.
“The group was intercepted at the Kapiji Checkpoint aboard a Kasempa-bound Likili Public Service Bus following inconsistencies in their true purpose of visit,” said Mr. Nshinka in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Nhsinka said they entered the country as ordinary visitors but had intention to engage in illegal gold mining activities in Kasempa.
And Mr. Nhsinka said the Nyimba Magistrate Court on 26th August, 2024 convicted and sentenced five Zambians all of Katete, to pay a fine of K 80,000 each or six months simple imprisonment for aiding and abetting 27 undocumented male Ethiopians.
“The five were intercepted at Kacholola checkpoint by Police and Zambia National Service Officers,” said Mr. Nshinka.
By Eva Hatontola
