By Amos Sikaonga 
By Amos Sikaonga
Mpika Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced a Tanzanian truck driver to a fine of K80,000, or in default, two serve years’ simple imprisonment, for aiding and abetting the illegal entry of 37 undocumented Ethiopian nationals into Zambia.
According to Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka, the driver, identified as Charles Michael Lumato, 54, was apprehended on 23rd March 2025 at the Mpika Weighbridge by a joint team of Immigration and Police officers.
Mr. Nshinka explained that authorities discovered 37 Ethiopian nationals, aged between 14 and 39, locked inside the container of the truck he was operating.
He revealed that the group was discovered after Lumato, prompted by loud banging from inside the truck, opened the container, inadvertently exposing the individuals who were struggling to breathe due to exhaustion and lack of oxygen.
“On the same day, all 37 Ethiopian nationals were convicted and sentenced to pay fines ranging from K1,500 to K5,000 each, or, in default, serve nine months’ simple imprisonment, for failing to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer upon entry into Zambia,” Mr. Nshinka explained.
Mr. Nshinka added that the truck and trailer used in the smuggling operation were conditionally forfeited to the State.
“These convictions bring the total number of convictions secured by the Department of Immigration on 29th April 2025 to 72,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka revealed that the Senanga Immigration Office in Western Province apprehended a 51 year old Zambian national, identified as Emmanuel Choza, for harbouring two undocumented Congolese nationals, a mother and her 13-year-old son.
He said Choza also assisted the woman in fraudulently obtaining a Zambian National Registration Card (NRC), and was arrested within the Magistrate Court premises, where he had gone to attend the woman’s court hearing on charges of illegal entry.
Cecilia Chiluba