KATAVI, Mlele : IMMIGRATION Department in Mlele district of Katavi region is holding 65 people alleged to have sneaked inintercepto the country from Ethiopia illegally.
Mlele District Commissioner (DC) Mr Majid Mwanga told journalists on Wednesday that the suspects were being transported via an empty oil tanker, adding that the Immigration officers were equally holding two Tanzanians who were transporting the Ethiopians.
The DC said the alleged illegal immigrants were arrested on Monday at around 11: 00 am at Kamsisi village in the district.
He further explained that the illegal immigrants were being locked into an empty oil tanker.
“The Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) staffs in collaboration with Mlele District Council officials intercepted an oil tanker with registration numbers T 952 DFB that was being driven by one Sadick Mohammed Msomolo (35), a resident of Mwanza region in the company of another driver, Joseph Magessa (33) a resident of Kihonda ward of Morogoro region.
The vehicle was headed for Tunduma border in Songwe Region from Mwanza Region via Sumbawanga Town in Rukwa Region,” he said.
The DC described the incident by the two Tanzanians who were transporting the suspects as a lack of patriotism for their country as well as using illegal means for obtaining money, adding that the police and immigration officers were still investigating the matter in efforts to arrest the entire network involved in the saga.
“All the suspects will appear into the court immediately after investigations were completed,” added the DC.
Equally, Mr Mwanga went ahead to say that both the police and immigration officers were working together, asking all Tanzanians to volunteer information that would help to nab all the suspects involved.
“I want to remind all non-citizens entering the country to abide by the laws of the country, failure to which, they will face legal action,” said Mr Mwanga.
