The Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted seven Congolese refugees for living outside Dzaleka Refugee Camp without valid exit permits.
The seven were convicted of disobedience of statutory duty, contrary to Section 123 of the Penal Code, after they were found living in Lilongwe City without the required permits.
Those convicted are Muhindo Mwaka, 34, Amoni Alexis, 29, Chance Shemuduli, 26, Yusufu Rugerura, 26, Piepre Njira, 25, Richard Kakunga, 25, and Stephano Ruhembuza, 24.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services Compliance Team arrested the seven during an enforcement operation in Lilongwe.
The court fined each of them K20,000 or, in default, six months’ imprisonment with hard labour.
It also ordered that the refugees be returned to Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has since reminded refugees to comply with immigration and refugee laws and obtain the necessary permits before leaving the camp.
The department said compliance with the requirements is important to avoid legal action.
