9th June, 2017
Authorities in eastern Zambia have arrested 19 Tanzanians working without immigration permits at an illegal gold mine, an Immigration Department Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, said on Friday.
The Tanzanians were picked up at Petauke district where they were believed to have been engaged in the illegal mining of gold after a tip-off from the public,’’ Nshinka said.
“Although some among the 19 had in their possession valid passports, they entered the country as mere visitors who by law are not allowed to engage in any occupation or work.
“The majority did not have any documentation at the time of the arrest. They are all detained pending persecution.
“The immigration authorities also arrested 13 other Tanzanians, one Congolese, One Rwandese and a Burundian for trading without immigration permits across the country,’’ he added.