THE Zambia Police Service and the Department of Immigration have launched a search and rescue operation after a suspected drowning incident involving Ethiopian nationals in the Zambezi River in Kazungula District. In a joint statement by Godfrey Chilabi, PRO - Zambia Police Service and Namati H. Nshinka, CPRO - Department of Immigration, the two institutions

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THE Zambia Police Service and the Department of Immigration have launched a search and rescue operation after a suspected drowning incident involving Ethiopian nationals in the Zambezi River in Kazungula District.

In a joint statement by Godfrey Chilabi, PRO – Zambia Police Service and Namati H. Nshinka, CPRO – Department of Immigration, the two institutions said the incident is alleged to have occurred on the night of 13th July 2026 near Village Mwaanga in Chief Sekute’s Chiefdom. A group of fifteen Ethiopian nationals are reported to have attempted to cross the Zambezi River illegally from Zambia into Botswana using a canoe.

The matter came to light on 14th July 2026 when members of the public alerted Immigration officers to two individuals who had sought assistance after emerging from the river.

The two have been identified as Menigstu Getachew Arenga, 33, who is undocumented, and Anebo Madamo Demeke, 35, who was found in possession of a passport but is alleged to have failed to report to an Immigration Officer upon entry into Zambia, contrary to the Immigration and Deportation Act.

According to preliminary information obtained from the two, the canoe capsized during the crossing. They stated that five members of the group managed to swim to safety, while ten others are suspected to have drowned. The whereabouts of the remaining three alleged survivors are currently unknown.

Following the report, a coordinated search and rescue operation was mounted involving the Zambia Army Marine Special Forces, the Zambia Police Marine Unit, and the Fire Brigade and Rescue Services.

Authorities say no bodies have been recovered so far. The reported drowning of the ten individuals therefore remains unconfirmed pending the outcome of the ongoing operation.

The two Ethiopian nationals are in lawful custody and are assisting with investigations. They are also being processed for immigration offences.

The Zambia Police Service and the Department of Immigration have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that may assist the search.

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