Seven Somalis intercepted in Zambia

Zambian authorities have intercepted seven Somali nationals who were concealed beneath bags of rice in a vehicle bound for Zimbabwe, in the latest crackdown on irregular migration along a key southern African smuggling corridor.

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) stopped a Toyota Probox during a routine enforcement exercise near Kapiri Mposhi town in Central Province, which was heading towards the Chirundu border post linking Zambia and Zimbabwe. A search revealed the seven men, all Somali nationals, hidden in the rear cargo compartment under bags of rice and other goods. The Zambian driver was also detained.

ZRA Public Relations Manager Oliver Nzala confirmed the interception, stating that the driver and the seven Somali nationals were handed over to the Department of Immigration for profiling and processing under the Immigration and Deportation Act. He said the authority remains committed to protecting Zambia’s borders and safeguarding national revenue.

“During a recent enforcement exercise on the Kapiri Mposhi road leading to Chirundu One-Stop Border Post, our officers intercepted a Toyota Probox which had seven Somali nationals concealed under bags of rice in the boot area,” Nzala said. “The driver and the illegal immigrants were handed over to the Department of Immigration for further action.”