By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Nyimba Magistrate Court has convicted two Zambian nationals in connection with the smuggling of 30 Ethiopian nationals.
The Ethiopians were intercepted in Nyimba District, Eastern Province, while being transported in a Lusaka-bound ambulance belonging to Altaf Memorial Hospital.
The two suspects were apprehended on 25th January 2026 at Kacholola Checkpoint.
On 17th February 2026, the court sentenced Samukenge Chikema, 45, and Boyd Phiri, 43, to two years simple imprisonment each, with no option of a fine, after finding them guilty of aiding and abetting the illegal entry and stay of prohibited immigrants.
Department of Immigration Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, said a third accused person, Linah Mulipa Banda, 28, who was implicated during investigations, pleaded not guilty.
“Her matter has been adjourned to 26th March, 2026 for trial,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshinka disclosed that 28 of the 30 Ethiopian nationals have appeared before court on charges of unlawful entry, and their matter has been adjourned to 2nd March, 2026.
In a related development, the Serenje Immigration Office secured convictions of 51 foreign nationals for immigration-related offences on 17th February 2026.
The convicted individuals comprised 42 Ethiopians, six Bangladeshis, two Pakistani nationals convicted for failure to appear before an Immigration Officer, and one Tanzanian convicted for unlawful presence.
According to Mr. Nshinka, the 51 were apprehended in separate incidents between 18th December 2025 and 14th January 2026.
“The Serenje Magistrate Court imposed fines ranging from K1,000 to K2,000 or between two and three months simple imprisonment. All 51 individuals are currently detained at Serenje Correctional Facility pending payment of fines and subsequent removal from the country,” Mr. Nshinka stressed.
He further revealed that between 13th and 17th February 2026, Zambia removed 52 people from the country through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Mr. Nshinka said 51 of those removed, comprising 30 Ethiopians, 11 Pakistanis and 10 Somalis, had paid court-imposed fines for illegal entry, while one Egyptian national was removed after unlawfully re-entering the country.
“The conviction and imprisonment of the offenders in the Nyimba case demonstrate that the long arm of the law will catch up with anyone who chooses to aid, abet or harbour illegal immigrants. The Department remains unwavering in its commitment to identify, apprehend and prosecute all individuals involved in these offences.”
