Alert Security officers in Luangwa District have intercepted 16 prohibited immigrants who were trying to use the Luangwa border to go to South Africa.
Luangwa Police Officer In-Charge, Assistant Superintendent, Mataa Muleta confirmed the interception of the 16 Ethiopian immigrants who were supposed to cross the Zambezi river to Zimbabwe enroute to South Africa.
Assistant Superintendent Mulata said the 16 Ethiopian Nationals, who entered Zambia through Nakonde border post from Tanzania, traveling in a Toyota Hiace mini bus registration Number ALR 1026, were apprehended at the Council Checkpoint on the Luangwa D145 main road at around 06:00hrs on Friday last week.
Mr Mulata said the driver of the Mini bus, Lenda Tembo and his co- driver, Prince Mulyata together with the 16 Ethiopian nationals tried to bribe
three police officers with K30,000, but the officers refused and brought them to Luangwa Police station were they are currently detained.
The Officer In-Charge further said the two Zambian Nationals, Mulyata and Tembo are detained for suspected human trafficking while the 16 Ethiopians are in police custody for illegal entry into Zambia and that they will appear before the court soon.
Meanwhile Acting Luangwa District Commissioner, Jairos Simukoko also confirmed the arrest of the 16 prohibited immigrants and the two Zambians.
Mr Simukoko commended the security wings and urged them to continue with the good so that human trafficking is reduced in the area.
He further commended Government for sending Zambia National Service officers to Luangwa to beef up security in the District which has experienced an increase in the smuggling of mealie meal and fuel to neighbouring countries.
The Acting District Commissioner said the coming of the ZNS officers was a welcome move as it has further helped to improve security in the District which borders two countries, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Source: Lusaka Times
