30 illegal Ethiopian immigrants were yesterday around 23:00 hours apprehended in an ambush in Nyimba District of Eastern Province for illegal entry into Zambia.
The immigrants were bundled in an Altaf Ambulance driven by a Chipata based driver, Boyd Phiri, aged 40.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, has confirmed the development to the media, stating that the Altaf Ambulance Registration Number, BAT 3037, belongs to Altaf Private Hospital in Chipata District.
Mr Mweemba said it is believed that the driver, working together with his co-driver, Siyamukenge Chikema, 45, did pick up the Ethiopian nationals from various points.
He indicated that some of them were picked in Chanida, Katete, and others on the Mozambique Road.
Mr Mweemba further explained that as the police interviewed the Zambian drivers on the immigrants, the two disclosed that they received instructions from Kennedy Phiri of Katete District that there was a patient to be picked in Katete and needed an ambulance, but instead were given to ferry 30 Ethiopians upon arrival.
He has stated that currently the two Zambian drivers together with the 30 Ethiopians are in police custody, adding that the motor vehicle used has also been impounded.
Mr Mweemba stated that the arrest was made possible through teamwork, with Kacholola Checkpoint Security having informed Nyimba Police Station of the illegal immigrants.
I’m sure Zambia was not their destination it was South Africa. Zambian immigration laws must be respected by all nonetheless.
Another confused report.
If I may ask why was this “Altaf Ambulance driven by a Chipata based driver, Boyd Phiri, aged 40”?
Why do I have to know such irrelevant details? By the way what is an altar ambulance? Another Zambian invention? That catches illegal immigrants?
Another confused report.
If I may ask why was this “Altaf Ambulance driven by a Chipata based driver, Boyd Phiri, aged 40”?