114 Ethiopians Intercepted In Suspected Human Trafficking

The Department of Immigration has intercepted 114 Ethiopians in Lusaka’s Zani Muone in a suspected case of human trafficking. 

The group were found on Saturday after police raided a three bedroom house, following a tip off from the public.

Many of the victims appeared to have been physically abused and starved, sleeping on the floor of the house while the windows were completely covered. 

According to Department of Immigration press officer Namati Nshinka, the captives were likely held in the house for at least six months. 

“The vulnerable and helpless state in which the captives were found crowded in such a small space has demonstrated just how evil and merciless human traffickers and smugglers can be. This is why the Department is doing everything possible to apprehend anyone connected to these criminal activities,” he said.

The Department has urged anyone with information about the suspected trafficking to come forward. 

Meanwhile, immigration officers in Nyimba, Eastern Province, have apprehended 36 Ethiopian nationals for failing to present themselves to an officer upon entry into Zambia.

The group were picked up on Saturday in the mountains close to Kacholola in Nyimba District, after members of the community informed authorities of their whereabouts. 

The group have since been detained at Nyimba Correctional Facility, pending a court appearance.

According to Mr Nshinka, a total of 69 Ethiopian nationals have been detained for illegally crossing into Zambia in just over a week. In Lusaka, two Congolese citizens and one Rwandan were found to be in possession of a forced immigration stamp.