DNK International By Xinhua.
Zambian authorities have arrested over 90 Ethiopians for illegally entering the country, an official said on Monday.
Immigration Department spokesperson Namati Nshinka said that 30 of the Ethiopians were arrested in Nyimba district, located in eastern Zambia, after officers intercepted an ambulance that was en route to Lusaka, the capital, following a tip-off.
“The ambulance, which approached the checkpoint with its sirens fully engaged in an apparent attempt to secure unhindered passage, was stopped and searched.
Officers discovered 30 male Ethiopian nationals, aged between 16 and 25, concealed inside the vehicle,” he said in a statement.
The spokesperson added that preliminary investigations revealed only three of the Ethiopian nationals were in possession of passports, though without immigration endorsements, while the remaining individuals were undocumented.
The officers also arrested two Zambian nationals for aiding and abetting the illegal entry and stay of the immigrants.
In separate operations, officers arrested 48 Ethiopian nationals in Siavonga district, located in southern Zambia, after they were being transported in two Toyota Hiace vehicles.
Of the 48 arrested, 28 were in possession of passports without immigration endorsements, while the remainder were undocumented.
Additionally, 20 undocumented Ethiopians were arrested in Mpika district, located in the north of the country, after officers intercepted two vehicles they were traveling in via an illegal route.
