Three bodies retrieved in Zambezi River search for suspected drowned Ethiopian nationals

Three bodies have been retrieved so far during an ongoing search operation in the Zambezi River for Ethiopian nationals suspected to have drowned while attempting to illegally cross into Botswana, police officials have revealed.

The recovery is being conducted by a joint search team comprising the Zambia Police Service, Zambia Army, Department of Immigration, and Kazungula Town Council.

In a statement issued in Lusaka Police Spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi, said the incident occurred on July 13, 2026, around 21:00 hours in the Zambezi River, near Mwaanga Village in Kazungula District.

He said the three bodies were believed to be among ten Ethiopian nationals suspected to have drowned during the incident.

“Two of the deceased have been identified as Ethiopian nationals, while the identity of the third deceased person has not yet been established,” Chilabi stated.

He said the search operation for the remaining suspected victims was ongoing, and further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

Chilabi said due to the condition of the bodies at the time of recovery, the three have since been buried in Kazungula District.

“The Zambia Police Service wishes to inform members of the public that the joint search team has so far retrieved three (3) bodies during the ongoing search operation,” he said.

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