34 Congolese arrested for illegal entry into Malawi

Police in the border district of Mchinji have arrested 34 Congolese for crossing into Malawi illegally, Malawi24 can report.

According to Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Kaitano Lubrino, the illegal immigrants confessed to have used unchartered routes to cross the boundaries since they had no proper documents.

“Their intention hit a snag after police officers managing Mwami Boarder tactfully acted on tip-off from a well-wisher who informed them of the development,” said Lubrino.

The officers instituted a manhunt and in the process found the immigrants harbouring in a house of a Malawian woman within Kaombe village in area of traditional authority Mlonyeni in the district.

Reports have indicated that the Congolese disembarked from a container truck and it is alleged that a Zambian bicycle tax operator ferried them into Malawi before the police arrested them.

When asked to explain why they entered Malawi illegally, the immigrants expressed worry over unbearable conditions in their homeland (DRC).

Meanwhile, the foreigners have been handed over to the immigration department to proceed with deportation process if necessary.

Out of the 34 immigrants, 16 are children, 10 are women while eight are men.

The police have since asked Malawi to work with them in order to end criminal acts in the country.