Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 30th January, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Nyimba Immigration Office has successfully prosecuted two Zambian nationals, Jacob Mbewe (37) and Damiano Banda (46), for aiding and abetting 18 undocumented Ethiopian nationals, in violation of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010.
The conviction was secured on 28th January 2025 at the Nyimba Magistrate Court, following their arrest on 11th January 2025 at the Kacholola Checkpoint.
The duo was intercepted while transporting the Ethiopian nationals, aged between 14 and 20, in a Toyota Sienta (registration number CAA 740).
Investigations established that Mbewe, a resident of Chibolya Compound and Banda, from Ibex Compound in Katete District, had facilitated the illegal entry and stay of the foreign nationals in Zambia.
As a result, they were each sentenced to pay a fine of K80,000 or, in default, serve six months of imprisonment with hard labour. Meanwhile, the 18 Ethiopian nationals have been charged with failing to appear before the nearest immigration officer upon entry into Zambia and unlawful stay. They are set to appear in court soon.
In a separate case, the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office secured the conviction of Fidele Ndayzele (50), a Burundian national, for residing outside the refugee settlement without authorization.
Ndayzele, a registered refugee from Maheba Refugee Camp, was apprehended during a compliance check in Lusaka’s 10 Miles area on 14th January 2025 after failing to produce a valid gate pass. He was sentenced to pay a fine of K16,000 or serve seven months of simple imprisonment.
Additionally, the Nakonde Immigration Office convicted Modeste Nizeyimana (29), a Rwandan national, for failing to report to an immigration officer and unlawful stay in Zambia.
Nizeyimana, who had entered Zambia illegally in 2021 and had been working as a shopkeeper in Lusaka’s Chunga area, was apprehended in Ntindi on 21st January 2025 while attempting to return to Rwanda. He was sentenced to pay a fine of K10,000 or serve six months of simple imprisonment for unlawful stay, plus an additional K5,000 fine or six months for failing to report to an immigration officer.
Between 24th and 29th January 2025, the Department of Immigration conducted nationwide operations, leading to:
45 convictions for immigration-related offenses
80 apprehensions
30 removals of illegal immigrants from Zambia
15 individuals denied entry for failing to meet immigration requirements
The Department of Immigration has reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and urges the public to report any suspected cases of human smuggling, illegal entry, or unlawful employment of foreign nationals to the nearest immigration office.
The Ministry Of Home Affairs and Internal Security
The Agency