Zambia: The Immigration Department has arrested 37 Ethiopian illegal immigrants at a checkpoint in Mpika District on Sunday. The undocumented immigrants were being transported with the help of a Tanzanian Driver. The arrests have been made in accordance with the government’s efforts to curb human trafficking.
The arrested Ethiopian nationals have been smuggled into the Zambia border with illegal means. The people in question have been intercepted at a checkpoint in Mpika District by immigration officers during an operation.
The Scania truck that the illegal immigrants were being transported in bears the number plate of Tanzania. The driver of the truck was also identified as a national of the same country.
The immigration officials have been working round the clock to intercept illegal immigrants and prevent flesh trade or human trafficking. The immigration officials have confirmed that they intercepted the truck carrying the Ethiopian immigrants at 15:00 hours on Sunday.
The officials have shared that the 37 illegal immigrants were found crammed in the Scania truck trapped in inhuman conditions. The noises of gasping and distress alerted the authorities and they asked the truck driver to open the back of his vehicle.
The truck driver has been identified as Charles Michael Lumato and is 54 years of age. He has been taken into custody under the charges of human trafficking. The undocumented immigrants who were in the truck were found in varying degrees of distress.
Some of these individuals were not able to stand or walk after being pulled out of the truck. Five out of these immigrants were in a critical condition and needed to be transported to the hospital.
As per the latest reports surrounding the issue, the victims have received treatment and were discharged. The authorities have started an official investigation into the matter and are questioning the 54 year old driver.
The officials shared that they will be vigilant regarding future incidents of similar nature. They have also urged members of the community to exercise caution.
The community has been directed to report any suspicious activity to the police or the immigration officials to curb human trafficking and similar issues.