Kabwe Resident Magistrate warns of illegal entry risks

Kabwe Resident Magistrate Sebastian Mwenya has expressed concern that illegal entry into Zambia could pose a public health risk, as undocumented entrants may not undergo the required health screening at points of entry. Magistrate Mwenya said illegal immigrants could expose…

Kabwe Resident Magistrate Sebastian Mwenya has expressed concern that illegal entry into Zambia could pose a public health risk, as undocumented entrants may not undergo the required health screening at points of entry.

Magistrate Mwenya said illegal immigrants could expose Zambians to contagious diseases such as Ebola, particularly in view of disease outbreaks in some neighbouring countries.

He was speaking when he convicted a 31-year-old Burundian national, Dieudonne Sinzinkayo, for unlawfully entering and staying in Zambia without valid travel documents.

Magistrate Mwenya convicted Sinzinkayo of unlawful presence in Zambia, upon his admission of guilt.

Sinzinkayo admitted the charge and pleaded guilty.

Brief facts before the court were that on September 10, 2026, in Kabwe District, Sinzinkayo, being a Burundian national, unlawfully entered Zambia without valid travel documents as required by law contrary to Section 11(3), as read with Sections 52 and 56(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act Number 18 of the Laws of Zambia.

In passing judgment, Magistrate Mwenya found Sinzinkayo guilty and charged and fined him K4,500, in default of which he would serve three months simple imprisonment.

“On your own admission of the offence, I find you guilty as charged and convict you accordingly, and in order to deter would-be offenders, I fine you a sum of K4,500 to be paid immediately. In default, you shall serve a custodial sentence of three months simple imprisonment,” ruled Magistrate Mwenya.

The Magistrate expressed concern over the number of foreigners entering Zambia illegally from neighbouring countries.

Magistrate Mwenya said such illegal entrants may pose a health risk to Zambian citizens because they are not subjected to health screening for contagious diseases such as Ebola upon entering the country.

“You are entering into the country illegally; Zambians are at risk of contracting diseases. In some neighbouring countries, there is an outbreak of diseases such as Ebola,” noted Magistrate Mwenya.

In mitigation, Sinzinkayo pleaded with the court to exercise maximum leniency, stating that he was a first-time offender and had not wasted the court’s time by admitting the charge.