The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services in the Northern region in collaboration with the Malawi Police Service has arrested 30 Ethiopians, 10 Pakistans and 1 Bangladesh national for entering the country illegally.

According to Northern Region Immigration Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Francis Chitambuli the suspects were arrested around Enukweni in Mzimba district while hiding under a plastic cover at the back of a 2 tonner lorry.

Chitambuli said the illegal immigrants were found in vehicle registration number BZ 8312, belonging to Jasper Moyo of Champhira in the same district which was coming from Karonga and heading to Mzuzu City.

He further disclosed that some of the immigrants had no valid travelling documents.

“All the 30 Ethiopians nationals do not have passports while a Bangladesh national and 10 Pakistan nationals have passport but without an entry stamp for Malawi as well as a Visa to enter in the country,” Chitambuli said.

Currently, the 2 tonner lorry which was used to ferry the suspected illegal immigrants has been impounded and the driver of the vehicle is currently on the run.

Meanwhile, all the suspects are under police custody awaiting to answer charges of illegal entry into the country contrary to section 21 sub-section 1 of the Malawi immigration act.