Ethiopians arrested in Ntchenachena hills

Police in the Northern Region have arrested 66 Ethiopians suspected to have entered the country illegally.

Over the years, illegal immigrants have been using various points in the region to enter the country. Most of them are assisted by Malawians who benefit from the illegal entry through money payments, according to police.

Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of the Ethiopians who were found in hills around Ntchenachena in Rumphi District.

He said the migrants are suspected to have been dumped in the hills by some Malawians who helped them find their way into the country. However, some members of the public saw them and reported to police. Police said they went to the hills and managed to arrest the 66 migrants.

Chapola lamented the involvement of Malawians in illegal entry. He said Malawians who benefit from the same put the country at risk.

He said the immigrants also put pressure on limited resources since police waste money and time to handle illegal entry cases when such resources could be put to better use.

Immigration spokesperson (North) Blackwell Lungu said Malawians who aid illegal entry are frustrating efforts by the department and other security agents to curb illegal entry.

He said the department is burdened with the responsibility of repatriating the immigrants using limited resources. n