A group of 17 Ugandan nationals, who were attempting to reach South Africa, were intercepted by Zambian immigration officers at the Victoria Falls border post on Wednesday.
According to police reports, the migrants were promised a better life by a man identified as Tonny and had embarked on their journey from Uganda on November 11.
They crossed into Zambia through the Nakonde border post with the help of unknown individuals who facilitated their movement, food, and logistics.
Upon arriving in Livingstone, the migrants were instructed to wait until someone picked them up.
Later, a bus belonging to Immigration Zimbabwe arrived, and the migrants were transported to the Victoria Falls border post.
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However, their journey came to an end when the Zimbabwean immigration officer, Emmanuel Chifuritse, and the driver, Lioba Mambowatumi, were questioned by Zambian immigration officers. The two officials claimed that the migrants were students heading to Bulawayo’s Midlands University, but the Zambian officers were skeptical.
Southern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer, Moono Namalongo, confirmed the incident and stated that the migrants were instructed to have their passports stamped and claim they were going to school if questioned.
The migrants have since been deported, and the incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of human trafficking and illegal migration in the region.
