12 Illegal Immigrants Apprehended in Three Vehicles at Luangwa Bridge
In a recent operation near the Luangwa, Feira, and Great East Road junction, police in Luangwa District successfully intercepted 12 illegal immigrants, suspected to be of Somali nationality, and apprehended two Zambian drivers.
According to a statement released by Godfrey Chilabi, Zambia Police Assistant Public Relations Officer, This operation also resulted in the impoundment of three motor vehicles associated with a migrant smuggling syndicate.
On the evening of October 18, 2023, around 23:00 hours, vigilant police officers at the Luangwa Bridge Security checkpoint stopped three vehicles traveling from Eastern Province.
One of these vehicles, a Toyota Corolla with the registration number ALP 2104, was transporting 12 individuals suspected to be prohibited immigrants. The driver of this vehicle, Harrison Kapila, a 27-year-old resident of Riverside in Petauke District, was taken into custody.
A second vehicle, a Toyota Sprinter with the registration number ALV 7732, was discovered abandoned at a location not far from the checkpoint, as the driver and other immigrants had fled the vehicle before the arrival of law enforcement officers.
The third vehicle, a Toyota Harrier bearing the registration number BAE 9748, was being driven by Elias Mwanza, a 26-year-old resident of Chimate Compound in Petauke District. This vehicle played a role as a support vehicle in the smuggling operation.
All individuals involved have been placed under detention, and the Department of Immigration has been engaged to assist in the ongoing investigations. A manhunt has been initiated to locate and apprehend any additional accomplices connected to this smuggling syndicate.
The credential presentation ceremony, conducted at the Presidential office in Seoul, saw Ambassador Banda expressing Zambia’s keen interest in fostering deeper and broader bilateral relations with South Korea.
These relations are to be founded on shared values, economic development, and common interests. In this regard, Ambassador Banda conveyed President Hakainde Hichilema’s enthusiasm for strengthening ties between the two nations.
Furthermore, Ambassador Banda respectfully proposed to President Yoon the idea of establishing an official Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Zambia.
He emphasized that such an Embassy would significantly enhance bilateral relations by facilitating direct diplomatic communication and promoting effective cooperation.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, in response to Ambassador Banda’s proposal, expressed his pleasure at receiving the letters of credence and indicated that the South Korean Government is actively considering the opening of an Embassy in Zambia in 2024.
This decision is a direct result of the increasing diplomatic interactions and engagements between the two nations.
The forthcoming reopening of a South Korean Embassy in Zambia is poised to further solidify diplomatic ties, foster cooperation, and create a platform for enhanced collaboration between the Republic of Korea and Zambia. This development represents a significant step forward in their bilateral relations.
