Zambia Immigration Cracks Down on Fake Officers and Immigration Offenses
The Lusaka Regional Immigration Office has apprehended individuals involved in impersonating public officers and conducting illegal consultancy services. The recent crackdown has also seen convictions related to immigration violations, marking a significant stride in ensuring the integrity of immigration procedures in Zambia.
Timothy Kampamba (26) of Kapiri Mposhi and Abraham Mulenga (30) of Lusaka’s Lilanda were charged with impersonating public officers, as outlined in section 102 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The duo was apprehended after a vigilant member of the public alerted authorities regarding suspicious encounters with individuals posing as immigration officers in the Barlastone Park area.
Investigations revealed that Kampamba, adorned in full immigration uniform, was found with counterfeit Immigration Identity Cards, along with other fraudulent documents and items aimed at deceiving foreign nationals. Mulenga, the accomplice, was found in possession of incriminating evidence, including a vehicle used in the commission of the offense.
In a separate incident, Lawrence Musonda Chileshe, a 30-year-old resident of Lusaka’s Vorna Valley, faces charges of illegal consultancy and forging documents related to immigration matters. Chileshe was arrested following allegations of fraudulent activities involving the submission of immigration documents and the issuance of counterfeit government receipts.
The Department of Immigration in Nakonde secured convictions against ten Ethiopian nationals for failing to adhere to immigration protocols upon entry into Zambia. This enforcement action underscores the commitment of immigration authorities to uphold immigration laws and deter undocumented migration.
Additionally, the Department of Immigration reported a series of apprehensions and removals of individuals involved in various immigration offenses across the country. Between April 30th and May 7th, 177 persons were apprehended, 92 illegal immigrants were removed from the country, and 20 foreign nationals were denied entry for non-compliance with entry requirements.
Namati H. Nshinka, Public Relations Officer for the Department of Immigration, reiterated warnings against fraudulent immigration activities and urged the public to remain vigilant.
He emphasized the importance of contacting immigration authorities when in doubt regarding the authenticity of individuals claiming to be immigration officers, in order to prevent exploitation and uphold the integrity of immigration processes in Zambia.
