Congolese National Sentenced for Illegal Entry in Zambia

The Department of Immigration proudly announces 13 convictions related to immigration offences, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to enforcing the Immigration and Deportation Act while enhancing internal security. Among these notable cases, one was adjudicated in Livingstone on May 8, 2025.

In a recent statement, Chief Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka confirmed that the Livingstone Magistrate Court sentenced Edson Bisumikamo, a 22-year-old Congolese national, to 18 months of hard labour for multiple convictions, including illegal entry, unlawful stay, and attempting to obtain a Zambian National Registration Card (NRC) through fraudulent means.

Mr. Nshinka shared that authorities apprehended Bisumikamo at the Social Welfare Offices, following a referral from the National Registration Office, where he had attempted to fraudulently acquire an NRC. Investigations revealed that he had entered Zambia illegally in October 2024 and remained unlawfully until his arrest.

In another case, the Department convicted Pamire Ngoni, a 55-year-old Zimbabwean truck driver, for failing to report to an Immigration Officer upon his entry into Zambia. Ngoni received a fine of K15,000 or, alternatively, a three-month simple imprisonment sentence. Authorities intercepted him at the National Parks and Wildlife Checkpoint, where they discovered that his passport lacked an entry endorsement. Further investigations confirmed that he had entered the country via the Kazungula One Stop Border Post on April 15, 2025, while en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Additionally, the Department secured a conviction against Oboifeng Muhammad Phaladi, a 41-year-old Motswana national, for illegal entry. He also faced a fine of K15,000 or, if unable to pay, a three-month simple imprisonment sentence. Mr. Nshinka reported that Phaladi was apprehended during a joint night patrol with the Zambia Police Service on April 19, 2025. Authorities established that he had entered Zambia on April 16, 2025, through an undesignated crossing on the Zambezi River using a canoe, reportedly in search of traditional medical treatment.