• Sam Silweya appeared before Ndola Magistrate Court on 20th September, 2021.
• He was sentenced to pay a fine of K 60,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment.
• It is irresponsible assist any person who does not legally qualify for national documents to obtain them.

A 39 year old Zambian businessman of Ndola has been fined K60, 000 for assisting a foreign national to obtain a National Registration Card (NRC).

Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka disclosed to Money FM News that Sam Silweya was arrested on 14th September, 2021 at the National Registration Office in Ndola for assisting a Congolese national to obtain an NRC by acting as his deponent.

Mr. Nshinka said Silweya appeared before the Ndola Magistrate Court on 20th September, 2021 and was sentenced to pay a fine of K 60,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment.

“The Ndola Regional Immigration Office has secured the conviction of a 39-year old Zambian businessman of Minsundu, Ndola for the offence of aiding and abetting a foreign national in acquiring a National Registration Card, contrary to section 46(1) (vii) as read with section 56(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia,” Mr. Nshinka said.

He reminded Citizens of the legal consequences associated with assisting anyone who does not qualify for national documents of identity such as NRC and Passports.

“It is irresponsible and unpatriotic to assist any person who does not legally qualify for these important documents to obtain them. Our Officers across the country continue being on high alert to detect documents of national identity suspected to have been obtained fraudulently,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka disclosed that on 21st September, 2021 the Kaputa Immigration Office secured convictions of three male Congolese nationals, for failing to appear before an Immigration Officer, unlawful stay in Zambia and obtaining NRCs by false pretences.

He said they appeared before the Magistrate Court in Kaputa and were each sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for each count, adding that all three sentences will run concurrently.

“Particulars are that on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2015 and 16th September, 2021 , in separate incidents, the trio entered Zambia without appearing before an Immigration Officer, remained in the country without valid permits and also obtained NRCs pretending to be Zambians, when in fact not. This brings the number of convictions secured by the Department between 20th and 22nd September, 2021 to 63,” Mr. Nshinka said.