Zambia: 16 Malawians Nabbed

allAfrica.com: Zambia: 16 Malawians Nabbed

30 May 2009

THE Department of Immigration in Chipata on Thursday arrested 16 Malawians who were in transit to South Africa for entering Zambia illegally.

The Malawians who claimed that they were travelling to South Africa in search of employment were found on the Zambian soil without valid travel documents.

The 16 Malawians are currently detained in Chipata.

Eastern Province immigration officer, Rebecca Sakala confirmed the arrest of the Malawians including a Zambian who is believed to have masterminded the scam.

She said the 16 Malawians, who were being led by a Zambian identified as Clifford Banda, were intercepted near the Mwami Border Post as they were trying to sneak into Zambia.

Ms Sakala said the Malawians had no travel documents and the majority of them had no money to sustain themselves.

"The department will continue with further investigations and those with papers will be sent back to Malawi," she said.

A check at the immigration offices yesterday revealed that the Malawians were still being investigated.

Meanwhile, Ms Sakala has advised Zambians to report any Malawian working on the Zambian farms and elsewhere without proper work permits.

She said thatsomeZambians wererecruiting Malawians to work on the farms because they provided cheaper labour.

Ms Sakala warned that it was an offence to employ a foreigner to work in Zambia without a permit.

She said any Zambian who wishes to employ a foreigner should ensure that they help them get a work permits.