Nine Zambian Youths Returned from DRC After Attempting Illegal Border Crossing

Lusaka, 17th September 2026 – Nine Zambian youths aged between 14 and 21 have been returned to Zambia by authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after allegedly attempting to enter the country through undesignated bush paths. The youths were received by the Department of Immigration at the Sakania Border Control on Wednesday, 16th […]

Lusaka, 17th September 2026 – Nine Zambian youths aged between 14 and 21 have been returned to Zambia by authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after allegedly attempting to enter the country through undesignated bush paths.

The youths were received by the Department of Immigration at the Sakania Border Control on Wednesday, 16th September 2026, after being removed from the DRC for illegal entry.

According to the Department of Immigration, preliminary investigations indicate that the group, who said they were from Serenje, had attempted to cross into the DRC on foot through unofficial routes in search of piecework.

The circumstances surrounding their movement from Serenje to the border, including how their journey was facilitated, remain subject to further investigations.
Looking for the latest sports odds and markets? Check them out here.
The youths are expected to be handed over to the Department of Social Welfare for appropriate assistance and further management.

The Department of Immigration has meanwhile reported several other immigration enforcement activities across the country.

In Lusaka, the Department on 16th September 2026 removed 55 Ethiopian nationals from Zambia after they were apprehended in Muchinga Province and subsequently convicted of failing to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer upon entering the country.

The Ethiopian nationals, all male, were transferred to Lusaka for onward removal after paying their respective court fines. They subsequently departed Zambia aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

In another development, the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office apprehended 29 undocumented foreign nationals during a routine operation conducted on 15th September 2026.

The operation was carried out in Chifwema, Shantumbu, Sinoma and Ten Miles and targeted residential premises suspected of harbouring undocumented foreign nationals.

The 29 individuals comprised 20 Burundian nationals and nine Congolese nationals.

The Department said the individuals were unable to produce documentation authorising their entry or stay in Zambia at the time of the operation and were consequently detained pending further immigration formalities.

Meanwhile, the Kafue Immigration Office secured the conviction of a 31-year-old Egyptian national, Mahmoud Abdelrahman Ahmed Ahmed, for unlawful stay in Zambia.

Ahmed was convicted by the Kafue Magistrate Court on 16th September 2026 and fined K13,000, or, in default, nine months simple imprisonment.

He had been apprehended on 12th September 2026 during a routine operation after investigations established that he had remained in Zambia without a valid immigration permit following the expiry of his permit.

He was subsequently charged with unlawful stay in Zambia, contrary to Section 11(3), as read together with Section 56(1), of the Immigration and Deportation Act, Chapter 123 of the Laws of Zambia.

The Department of Immigration has since cautioned members of the public against attempting to cross international borders through undesignated routes.

The Department warned that irregular movements across borders not only violate immigration laws but can also expose individuals to exploitation, trafficking and other forms of harm.

Parents, guardians and communities have also been encouraged to remain vigilant and help protect young people from being drawn into unsafe and irregular cross-border movements.
The statement was issued by Namati H. Nshinka, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Department of Immigration.
❤️ Support ZED GOSSIP: Choose to bet? Sign up with 1xBet through our affiliate link and support the work we do. Your support helps us keep Zed Gossip running and bringing you the latest Zambian news, entertainment and sports. 18+ | Bet responsibly.