Court Fines Four Zambians K960, 000 each for Aiding, Abetting, Harboring Illegal Immigrants
Lusaka Magistrate has convicted and sentenced four Zambians to pay a fine of K960, 000 each or in default two years imprisonment with hard labour for aiding, abetting, and harboring 16 Ethiopian illegal immigrants
Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka revealed that the four identified as Samson Masuka, 34 of Lusaka’s Balastone area, Geoffrey Chumbwe 32 of Silverest, Chinyama Masumba 31 of Kaunda Square, and Rainson Sinkala 25, also of Kaunda Square, were convicted and sentenced yesterday, 30th September, 2024.
Mr. Nshinka said they were each charged with 15 counts of aiding and abetting, as well as one count of harboring an illegal immigrant.
“They were apprehended by the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office on 22nd November, 2023 during an operation which began as a routine patrol around Roma and Ngwerere areas.”
“The operation quickly escalated when Immigration Officers received information that a white Fortuner, Registration number BBD 671 carrying suspected illegal immigrants had been spotted near Waterfalls Mall in Lusaka’s Silverest area,” Mr. Nshinka explained.
He expressed concern about the increased incidents of Zambians aiding, abetting, and harboring illegal immigrants, adding the conviction of the four individuals to a record of K960, 000 each should be served as a warning to would be offenders.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka revealed that between 27th and 28th September 2024, the Department apprehended 204 suspected illegal immigrants in the ongoing countrywide operations.
“During this period, the Department removed 65 illegal immigrants of different nationalities from the country and secured 13 convictions,” Mr. Nshinka stated.
