MELODY MUPETA
Kitwe
A 52-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in Nakonde for allegedly smuggling 33 Ethiopian immigrants who were found hiding in the bush.Victor Silwamba, a minibus driver, was arrested on Saturday morning after police were alerted.
Muchinga Province deputy police commanding officer Ronald Zambo said in a statement that police officers were conducting routine checks at Wulongo checkpoint when they received a tip about the immigrants.
Police and immigration officers rushed to Chilowa village and entered a house belonging to Kedrick Sichone, 46, who is alleged to have accommodated the immigrants.
“The officers found that the suspect had escaped but the house was searched and they discovered loaves of bread and 31 sachets of sour milk without immigrants in sight,” Mr Zambo said.
Officers also found a Mitsubishi Pajero, registration AJE 4688, which was found parked and unlocked.
Police and immigration officers later went to the bush, where they discovered 33 immigrants aged between 15 and 27 sleeping under a tree.
He said the immigrants were arrested while eight managed to escape but were later recaptured by police officers.
Mr Zambo said Sichone is yet to be arrested as he is on the run with his wife while Silwamba is detained in police custody.
He said Silwamba’s Pajero and Toyota Hiace minibus, registration ADD 6819, have been impounded….https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
