A joint operation by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Zambia Police and Immigration in Nakonde District in Muchinga has led to the apprehension of twenty-one (21) illegal immigrants of Ethiopian National and two Tanzanian drivers in Ilendela Village.
Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Dennis Moola said two trucks were intercepted yesterday around 13:00 hours carrying fuel and prohibited immigrants in concealed compartments.
According to a press statement made available to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Mr Moola disclosed that the two intercepted trucks belong to World Oil Limited based in Dar- es-Salaam in the neighbouring Tanzania.
He stated that the Ethiopian Nationals aged between 18 and 35 were believed to have been transported from Tanzania.
Mr Moola named the prohibited immigrants as Tesfooye Godehn, Kaleb Gizaclies, Abermezer Addise, Getachew Yebaye, Astret Acitaye, Muluyen Lemebe, Abimet Dorebo,Takele Dobemo, Degete Tumebo and Tedrose Hile.
Others are Erumiyese Wolde, Denbelo Tsegereagt, Seramu Abebe, Meleakise Yohannes,Temeagen Lagoro, Abemet Gimra, Mekama Meyise, Ganeto Segare, Isyasi Abera, Shetutaki Tarfu and Degede Tumebo.
He said the drivers Philibert Faustine aged 54 and another only identified Alikeja aged 56 both from Dar -es-Salaam have been detained at Nakonde police Station while investigations were underway.
And Nakonde District Commissioner Marvelous Sikapizye has condemned the increasing cases of illegal immigrants recorded in the district.
Mr Sikapizye revealed that a few days ago fifteen (15) illegal immigrants were found hiding at a named school located a few kilometres from Nakonde Central Business District (CBD)
He cautioned that any resident of Nakonde who would be found aiding the immigrants to enter the country illegally will face the law.
Mr Sikapizye however commended the security forces at Nakonde for being on high alert following the arrest of a total of 36 illegal immigrants a few days apart.
