Immigration Department records 44 convictions, 28 arrests in nationwide operations

The Department of Immigration on September 3, 2025, recorded significant enforcement outcomes, securing 44 convictions for immigration-related offences and apprehending 28 suspected illegal immigrants across the country.

Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, said in a statement issued on Saturday that among those convicted was 21-year-old Burundian shopkeeper, Claude Tuyinezere, who was sentenced by the Lusaka Magistrate Court to pay a fine of K40,000 or, in default, serve nine months simple imprisonment for unlawful stay in Zambia.

Tuyinezere was arrested in Kabangwe on August 1, 2025, after investigations revealed he had overstayed in the country between February 21 and August 1, 2025.

In Kafue, the Immigration Office secured another conviction against Florbert Ngendakumana (25), also a Burundian national, for unlawful stay. The Kafue Magistrate Court fined him K15,000 or, in default, six months imprisonment.

Ngendakumana had entered Zambia through Zombe Border on March 31, 2025, as a business visitor and was granted 30 days but remained unlawfully until his arrest at Kafue Security Checkpoint on August 31.

In Ndola, Christelle Walukonka Bitendelle (30), a Congolese national, was convicted for unlawful possession of a Green National Registration Card (NRC), concealing her true identity and nationality, and unlawful stay. She was fined K6,300 or, in default, six months imprisonment.

Bitendelle was arrested at Dola Hill Mall on August 27, 2025, after inconsistencies were detected in her documentation. Investigations later confirmed she had previously held a Congolese passport and a Temporary Permit.

Meanwhile, at Kasumbalesa Border, immigration officers apprehended 11 suspected illegal immigrants during an operation in the Chebele area.

The group included seven Tanzanians who had entered as visitors but were found conducting business without permits, and four Congolese nationals arrested for illegal entry and unlawful stay.
Nshinka said all suspects were detained at Kasumbalesa Police Station pending further immigration formalities, bringing the total number of immigration-related apprehensions to 28.

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