Two Tanzanians convicted for aiding illegal immigration as Zambia intensifies border enforcement

The Department of Immigration has secured the conviction of two Tanzanian nationals for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants, in a case that underscored Zambia’s heightened efforts to combat irregular migration and safeguard national security.

Kija Ally Hamza (32) and Rubagumya Philbert Faustine (39) were convicted on March 27, 2026, for offences contrary to the Immigration and Deportation Act, Chapter 123 of the Laws of Zambia.

The duo were each fined K100,000 or, in default of payment, sentenced to nine months’ simple imprisonment.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Department Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, the convictions stemmed from a joint operation conducted on March 3, 2026, in Nakonde.

He said immigration officers, working alongside the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), intercepted two fuel tanker trucks carrying 21 Ethiopian nationals concealed in hidden compartments in an attempt to enter Zambia illegally.

The trucks, initially impounded as evidence, were later released to their owners following due court procedures.

In a broader enforcement push, the Department carried out operations between April 2 and 6, 2026, resulting in the apprehension of 105 suspected illegal immigrants.

“During the same period, 47 individuals were removed from the country, 23 convictions were secured, and 11 people were denied entry for failing to meet immigration requirements,” Nshinka said.

Those apprehended included nationals from several countries, with the largest numbers coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (36) and Burundi (24). Others were from Tanzania (17), Malawi (10), Zimbabwe (9), China (2), Rwanda (2), and one each from Botswana, Zambia, Somalia, Lebanon, Uganda, and Namibia.

The offences ranged from unlawful stay and illegal entry to documentation-related violations such as possession of forged documents, false identity, and breaches of permit or refugee conditions. Notably, a Zambian national was among those arrested for facilitating the illegal entry of a foreign national.

In a separate incident at Kasumbalesa Border Control, a Congolese national was apprehended following intelligence-led operations.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had concealed his identity and nationality, unlawfully obtained multiple Zambian National Registration Cards, and used them to mislead public officials.

Authorities also found that he had provided false information to immigration officers and was residing in the country illegally. He remains in custody pending prosecution and removal.

Meanwhile, at Chembe Border Control on April 6, 2026, immigration officers arrested a Zambian national, Chola Evans (46), for aiding the illegal entry of a Congolese national, Evariste Dekape Chola (24).

The latter initially claimed to be Zambian, but further checks uncovered Congolese identification documents.

Both individuals have since been detained and formally charged.
Of the 47 individuals removed from Zambia during the operations, the majority were Malawians (26), followed by Congolese (10), Burundians (3), South Africans (2), Zimbabweans (2), Tanzanians (2), and one each from India and the United Kingdom.

These removals were carried out due to violations such as unlawful stay and failure to report to immigration authorities upon entry.

“Additionally, 11 individuals were denied entry into the country. These included five Zimbabweans, three Congolese, and one each from Malawi, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Authorities cited reasons such as expired or invalid documents, unclear travel intentions, overstaying, and previous immigration violations,” according to Nshinka.

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