IMMIGRATION WARNS AGAINST OBSTRUCTING OFFICERS, YIELDS OVER 60 CONVICTIONS IN TWO DAYS

By Amos Sikaonga

Department of Immigration has cautioned the public against obstructing officers from conducting their duty.

In a statement, Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka, however noted that the Department has continued to record significant enforcement outcomes across the country, despite a disturbing rise in instances where officers are being obstructed in the due execution of their duties.

Mr. Nshinka revealed that on 5th May 2025 in Chibombo, a 25-year-old Zambian national, identified as Aaron Phiri, was apprehended by the Chibombo Immigration Office for obstructing Immigration Officers.

“Phiri, acting with others, attempted to prevent officers from apprehending a suspect and, in the process, injured one of the officers. Phiri is currently detained at Kabwe Medium Correctional Centre pending court appearance,” Mr. Nshinka explained.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka also revealed that the Sesheke Magistrate Court on 6th May, 2025 fined a 68-year-old American national K12, 000 or in default, serve seven months simple imprisonment for obtaining registration by false pretenses, contrary to Section 316 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

“This conviction follows Mathews Lester Junior’s apprehension by Immigration Officers on 2nd March 2025 at Katima Mulilo Border Control, as he attempted to exit Zambia into Namibia.”

“During processing, he presented a Zambian National Registration Card (NRC), which officers suspected to have been fraudulently obtained,” Mr. Nshinka said.

Mr. Nshinka said subsequent investigations confirmed that the Lester`s NRC had been unlawfully acquired, leading to the latest conviction.

“Earlier, on 10th March 2025, the same court convicted and sentenced Lester for unlawful stay in Zambia, in violation of the Immigration and Deportation Act,” Mr. Nshinka added.
“Lester was fined K10,000 or, in default, to serve nine months simple imprisonment.”

He further revealed that on the same day, the Kafue Immigration Office secured the conviction of a 36-year-old Zimbabwean national, Lillian Zingowo for unlawful stay, and was fined K25,000 or serve nine months simple imprisonment.

According to Mr. Nshinka, Zingowo entered Zambia in 2008 without a passport and had resided unlawfully in Kafue’s Zambia Compound until her apprehension on 29th April 2025.5.8

He said in Livingstone, the Magistrate Court fined 23-year-old Zimbabwean national, Talent Munhasi, K20,000 or serve three months simple imprisonment for illegal entry into the country.

Mr. Nshinka added that between 5th and 6th May, 2025 to 60, 64 suspected illegal immigrants were apprehended, while 43 were removed from the country, and nine individuals were denied entry for failing to meet entry requirements.

“The Department of Immigration strongly warns members of the public against obstructing Immigration Officers in the execution of their lawful duties. Such actions not only undermine internal security efforts but are also criminal offenses punishable by law.”

“We also wish to remind all foreign nationals that it is a serious offence to fraudulently obtain Zambian documents of national identity,” he stressed.