Mpika | February 23, 2026 – On February 18, 2026, the Mpika Magistrate Court ordered the forfeiture of two Mitsubishi Pajeros and one Toyota Hilux to the State following the conviction of fifty-nine (59) Ethiopian nationals for immigration-related offences.
The group appeared before the Mpika Magistrate Court charged with failing to appear before the nearest immigration officer, contrary to Sections 12(2) and 52(1) as read with Section 56(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010.
The fifty-nine accused persons were jointly charged across four separate matters. The first comprising 20 accused persons, the second 23, the third 14, and the fourth 2. All fifty-nine pleaded guilty.
Presiding over the matters, Honourable Magistrate Andrew Longa Kasongo convicted the accused on their own plea and sentenced each offender to a fine of K5,000.00 or, in default, six months’ simple imprisonment.
In the matters involving 20 and 23 accused persons, the Court further ordered the forfeiture of three motor vehicles used in the commission of the offences after the drivers fled the scene.
The forfeited vehicles are:
Toyota Hilux – Registration No. CAE 1001 ZM
Mitsubishi Pajero – Registration No. AIG 457 ZM
Mitsubishi Pajero – Registration No. CAA 6396 ZM
The forfeiture order reflects the Court’s firm position that assets used to facilitate unlawful conduct will not escape legal consequence.
The matters were prosecuted by Senior Public Prosecutor Samson Chimoba Zulu, assisted by Public Prosecutor Luyako Chisi.
The convictions underscore continued enforcement of Zambia’s immigration laws and reinforce the principle that compliance with statutory requirements is not optional.