An Assistant Immigration officer at the Ndola Regional Office, has testified that the Congolese children found in custody of eight Croatians had cost the four couples about Two Thousand and Forty (2,040) US Dollars for each child.
Speaking during cross examination when the matter came up for continuation of trial at the Ndola High Court, Kombe Sakeni testified that investigations also established that the Croatians did not have legitimate adoption papers as confirmed by the Congolese Consular in Ndola.
Mr. Sakeni further says that the Consular wondered why the four couples did not use the Airport in Kinshasa but rather opted to use Zambia as a transit country.
And a social welfare officer, Joompa Muleya has told the court, that the four children are in good health and have been enrolled in school.
This is in a case in which the eight Croatians are facing charges of child trafficking.
The matter has been adjourned to 29th May, 2023.
By Lovemore Sondashi