By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Department of Immigration in Zambia has apprehended 21 undocumented Ethiopian nationals who were discovered concealed in fuel tanker trucks in Nakonde District, Muchinga Province, on March 3, 2026.
Two Tanzanian truck drivers, identified as Philbert Faustine Rubagumya and Ally Hamza Kija, have also been apprehended for aiding and abetting the illegal immigrants.
The 21 Ethiopians were discovered concealed in some empty fuel compartments of two fuel-laden Tanzanian-registered tanker trucks, registration numbers T150 BLX/T603 BMK and T694 BUH/T692 BUA, which were being driven by the two suspects.
According to Immigration Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, the trucks were intercepted at Ilendela Village in Nakonde District, approximately 25 kilometres from Nakonde Town, following a tip-off from members of the public,” he said.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the tanker trucks belong to a Tanzanian company known as World Oil Limited and were transporting fuel destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while the final destination of the Ethiopian nationals is believed to have been South Africa,” he said.
All the 21 Ethiopian nationals and the two Tanzanian truck drivers are currently detained at Nakonde Police Station pending further investigations and prosecution, while the two tanker trucks used in the smuggling attempt have been impounded.
Mr. Nshinka, warned truck drivers against aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.
“Transporting undocumented migrants is a serious criminal offence that attracts severe penalties,” he warned.
He further urged transport and logistics companies to closely monitor the activities of their drivers and vehicles, warning that failure to do so may expose them to legal consequences if their vehicles are used to facilitate illegal immigration or human smuggling.
Meanwhile, Immigration Officers from Nakonde Border Control have apprehended 15 undocumented Ethiopian nationals aged between 12 and 22 for illegal entry and unlawful stay in Zambia.
Mr. Nshinka reported that two Zambian nationals, identified as Weston Siwale, 54, and Kelvin Solomba, 57, both security guards at New Nakonde Secondary School, were also apprehended for harbouring the undocumented immigrants.
He explained that the 15 Ethiopians were discovered hidden in an unfinished ablution block at New Nakonde Secondary School following a tip-off from concerned members of the public who had noticed suspicious activities at the premises.
“All the suspects are currently in Immigration custody pending further investigations and possible prosecution,” Mr. Nshinka stated.
