A truck driver from Chawama accused of hiding 89 Ethiopian nationals inside a fuel tanker has applied for bail as he awaits trial.
Frank Ng’andwe, 35, appeared before the Kapiri Mposhi Magistrates’ Court facing a charge of aiding and abetting illegal immigrants. He denied the allegation when it was presented in court.
According to the State, on November 23, 2025, Ng’andwe and other unidentified individuals allegedly loaded 89 Ethiopians into a tanker truck owned by Karan Motors. He was later apprehended on January 6, 2026.
Lawyers from the Legal Aid Board representing Ng’andwe requested that he be released on bail, stating that he is a Zambian citizen with a fixed residence in Chawama and is unlikely to abscond. They told the court he has already spent one month and five days in custody and is prepared to comply with any conditions that may be imposed.
The defence further submitted that Ng’andwe would not interfere with witnesses and would attend all court proceedings as required.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that Ng’andwe poses a flight risk. State prosecutors said he allegedly went into hiding after the incident and only reappeared when he was arrested on January 6, 2026, raising concerns that he may fail to appear in court if granted bail.
In response, the defence challenged the prosecution’s claims, stating that the State should present sworn testimony to support allegations that Ng’andwe had fled, rather than relying on statements made from the bar.
Due to the disagreement between the parties, the State requested additional time to prepare a formal response. Magistrate Ben Akende granted the request and adjourned the matter to February 12, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on the bail application.
