Malawian held for aiding illegal immigrants

Malawi - Police in Chitipa are holding a Malawian man in custody for aiding 20 immigrants of Ethiopian origin to enter the country illegally, writes Patricia Kayuni.

The suspect, Patrick Mushani, aged 36, was arrested on Friday, 26 February, following a tip-off from concerned citizens who reported that the immigrants were hiding at Lwakwa hills in the district.

The arrest comes in the wake of a disturbing discovery last October when a mass grave containing the bodies of 25 Ethiopian nationals was unearthed in Mzimba.

The incident sparked fears that more migrants were falling victim to human trafficking and illegal entry into Malawi.

According to Sergeant Rabson Mkandawire, the deputy police public relations officer for Chitipa, Mushani will appear in court soon alongside the 20 illegal immigrants to answer cases of unlawful entry and aiding illegal immigrants, respectively.

Mkandawire also warned the public against harbouring or aiding immigrants who do not have the necessary documents to stay in the country.

He reiterated that such actions are illegal and could result in severe consequences for both the offender and the migrants.

Mushani hails from Ishalikira village in the area of Senior Chief Mwaulambia in the district.

His arrest underscores the Malawian authorities' commitment to curbing illegal immigration and human trafficking in the country.