Nobody predicted that 40 bicycles, which were frequently seen by customers in the complexes ferrying larger-than-life groceries over distances by foreign stores, would end up like a pile of scrap in a truck.
Yesterday, the Zambia Department of Immigration, Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission, and National Anti-Terrorism Centre performed a clean-up operation throughout Lusaka, netting 357 persons. Following screenings at Edwin Imboela Stadium, authorities apprehended 283.
Burundians (207), Congolese (53), Rwandans (10), Tanzanians (six), Malawians (four), Eritreans (two), Indians (two), Zimbabweans (two), Egyptians (one), Lebanese (one), and Pakistanis (one) have been recognized among those held. Following initial checks, authorities released 68 people, the majority of them were Zambian citizens.
Six Zambians were asked to follow up with Immigration for extra paperwork, while two Zambians detained for alleged drug charges were sent over to the Drug Enforcement Commission.
“The Department wishes to thank members of the public for their cooperation during this operation which contributed to it being successful and incident free.”
“The Department also wishes to thank all law enforcement agencies which took part in the operation for their continued collaboration and immense support in assisting the Department rid the country of illegal immigrants,” said Namati Nshinka, public relations officer for the Zambia Department of Immigration.
The operation also resulted in the capture of 40 bicycles abandoned by individuals who fled upon confronting law enforcement officers. These are presently being retained for safekeeping.
