By 
The Department of Immigration has apprehended 26 Pakistani nationals aged between 18 and 55 for unlawful entry into Zambia.
The arrests were made in the early hours of Saturday, October 4, 2025, by the Chipata Regional Immigration Office.
According to a statement issued by the Department’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, the group was intercepted in Petauke along the Great East Road after a tip-off from members of the public.
“Initial operations around 03:00 hours led to the interception of a Toyota Sienta, registration number CAH 3203, which had been abandoned by an unknown driver. 14 Pakistani nationals were found inside the vehicle,” Nshinka stated.
He added that follow-up intelligence-led operations around 05:30 hours resulted in the discovery of 12 more Pakistani nationals hiding in a nearby bush within Petauke District.
They are believed to have been abandoned by the driver of a second Toyota Sienta after he detected the presence of immigration officers.
The driver fled the scene and remains at large.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group was being smuggled to Lusaka.
Some of the suspects had no travel documents, while others possessed passports that lacked Zambian entry endorsements, confirming their illegal entry into the country.
“All 26 suspects are currently detained at the Petauke Correctional Facility pending further investigations and possible prosecution,” he said, adding that a manhunt has been launched for the two drivers, believed to be Zambian nationals.
Nshinka commended members of the public for the information that led to the successful operation and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
“The Department of Immigration will continue working closely with communities and other security wings to safeguard national security,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments