By Amos Sikaonga 
By Amos Sikaonga
Department of Immigration, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has apprehended 11 suspected illegal immigrants during a joint operation carried out in Lumezi District, Eastern Province.
According to a statement issued by Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka, the operation targeted farms and nearby roadways in the Chief Chikomene area, where several individuals were found packing tobacco into bags.
Mr. Nshinka disclosed that following an initial screening, six Malawian nationals were detained for illegal entry and unlawful stay in Zambia.
“Two Zambian nationals, 22-year-old Samuel Nkhata and 54-year-old Kondwelani Nyirenda were arrested for harboring some of the undocumented foreign nationals,” Mr. Nshinka noted.
Mr. Nshinka added that two other Zambians were released after providing verifiable proof of citizenship.
“Another individual, identified as 28-year-old Christopher Banda, also a Zambian, was handed over to the Drug Enforcement Commission after being found in possession of cannabis,” he explained.
He said the Lumezi operation was part of a broader national enforcement initiative that led to the apprehension of 30 individuals of various nationalities on 7th May 2025 for immigration-related offenses.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka revealed that the Monze Magistrate Court on the same day convicted and sentenced three Burundian refugees from Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement for engaging in business activities without the required permits.
He identified the three individuals as Valency Hakiri 25, Bornface Irakoze 23, and Julios Nduwayezu 19, who were each fined K3,800 or, in default, serve three months simple imprisonment.
“They were found selling behind counters of different grocery shops during a routine inspection on 30th April 2025 in Monze District,” Mr. Nshinka said.
“Although the trio possessed valid mobility passes allowing temporary movement outside the refugee settlement, they failed to obtain the necessary authorization to conduct business activities.”
He further stated that the Kafue Magistrate Court also convicted a 20-year-old Burundian national identified as Ernest Irankunda for unlawful entry and unlawful stay in Zambia.
“He was fined K5,000 for unlawful entry or serve seven months in default and K8,000 for unlawful stay or serve eight months in prison,” Mr. Nshinka explained.
Mr. Nshinka reaffirmed the Immigration’s commitment to working alongside law enforcement agencies to strengthen internal security and ensure adherence to immigration laws.
He reminded refugees to respect the conditions of their legal status and to observe restrictions on activities conducted outside refugee settlements.
“Everyone, regardless of their status, is required to comply with the laws of the land,” he stated.
Cecilia Chiluba 
Joseph Tembo