• The conviction was secured by the Kasama Regional Immigration Office.
• Kasama Magistrate Court sentenced the trio to pay a fine of K 2,500 each or, in default, six months simple imprisonment.
• They have since been released after paying the fines.

Kasama Magistrate Court has sentenced three Zambian businessmen to pay a fine of K 2,500 each or in default, six months simple imprisonment for knowingly aiding and abetting 10 Ethiopian illegal immigrants by facilitating their illegal movements from Tanzania to Kasama.
Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka revealed that the conviction was secured by the Kasama Regional Immigration Office, and identified the trio as Micheal Chapakwenda, 27, Godfrey Kaluba 26, and Joseph Mutentwa 32, of Lusaka, Mpika, and Kitwe, respectively.
Mr. Nshinka said the three businessmen and ten Ethiopians were nabbed on 14th August 2022 in Mungwi District after a tip-off from the community, adding that the offence is contrary to section 46(1) (a) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.
“Investigations later revealed that the undocumented migrants were handed-over to Micheal Chapakwenda by an unknown Tanzanian national. Consequently, on 18th August 2022, the Kasama Magistrate Court sentenced the trio to pay a fine of K 2,500 each or, in default, six months simple imprisonment. They have since been released after paying the fines,” Mr. Nshinka stated.
He added that the Kasama convictions bring the total number of convictions secured by the Department between 17th and 21st August 2022 to 34.
Mr. Nshinka further said during the same period, the Department apprehended 109 people for various offences country-wide, while 37 illegal immigrants were removed from the country.
“We wish to encourage members of the public with information about an individual, business, or employer who may be aiding and abetting illegal immigrants to report to the Department of Immigration,” he said.