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Two Zimbabwean truck drivers have been arrested in Kazungula District after Immigration officers discovered nine Ethiopian nationals concealed in truck compartments in an apparent attempt to illegally exit Zambia.
The Department of Immigration identified the suspects as Joel Mhenyu, 53, and Pfidzai Chipuriro, 36, both Zimbabwean nationals.
The pair was apprehended on Saturday while attempting to leave Zambia through the Kazungula Border and proceed to South Africa.
According to the statement issued on Sunday by the Department Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, the two drivers were intercepted during an operation conducted by Immigration officers, who uncovered nine Ethiopian men aged between 20 and 33 hidden inside compartments built into the chassis of two Volvo trucks bearing registration numbers KFW 830 MP and KFW 827 MP.
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“The Ethiopian nationals were subsequently arrested for failing to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer when exiting Zambia, an offence under the Immigration and Deportation Act, Chapter 123 of the Laws of Zambia,” Nshinka said.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the Ethiopians had been concealed within the trucks in an effort to evade immigration controls as they attempted to leave the country.
Nshinka said the department had since launched further investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attempted illegal exit and establish the extent of the truck drivers’ involvement in facilitating the movement of the migrants.
He warned transporters and members of the public against engaging in activities that promote illegal migration, noting that individuals found aiding, harbouring, transporting or abetting prohibited immigrants risk prosecution and stiff penalties under the law.
He further urged members of the public to report suspected immigration offences to the nearest Immigration Office or through established reporting channels.
The latest arrests underscore ongoing efforts by immigration authorities to combat human smuggling and strengthen border security at key entry and exit points across the country.
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