15 prohibited immigrants have been convicted and fined 10 thousand Kwacha each by the Chinsali Magistrate Court.

The 15, who comprise of Somalians and Ethiopians, are charged with failing to appear before the nearest Zambia immigration officers upon entry, contrary to sections 12(2) and section 56 of the immigration and deportation act no 18 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.

When they appeared before the Chinsali magistrates court today, Principal Resident Magistrate, Julius Malata, found them guilty and fined each of them K10, 000 in default 9 months simple imprisonment.

Two of the Juvenile immigrants that had been intercepted with the 15 will be deported back to their country.

Meanwhile, the two Zambian drivers charged with aiding prohibited immigrants to commit an offense contrary to section 46 (1) and section 46 (2) of the immigration and deportation act no 18 of the Laws of Zambia will appear on 8th February for trial.

On 24th January 2023, Police in Chinsali intercepted a truck which was being driven by two Zambians that had concealed 15 prohibited immigrants and two juveniles.

By Cecilia Kayaya Mporokoso