28 Ethiopians Sentenced To 1 Month Imprisonment: To Face Deportation At the End Of Jail Term

28 Ethiopians have been sentenced to a month imprisonment and later face deportation for illegal entry. 

The Ethiopian nationals whose their ages ranges 19 and 29 were arrested last week according to Dowa Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Richard Kaponda.

The Dowa First Grade Magistrate Court heard from Police Prosecutor Sergeant Gerald Kizombe that the 28 Ethiopian nationals entered Malawi illegally with aid from unknown persons currently at large. Sgt Kizombe further told the court that the immigrants were found at Dzaleka Refugee Camp when members of the general public had tipped-off the police of the suspicious arrival of the immigrants at the camp.

Kizombe then prayed for stiffer penalty to deter the would be offenders since cases of illegal entry by foreigners is on the increase. 

First Grade Magistrate Imrani Phiri then sentenced the illegal immigrants to one month in jail and that at the end of their jail term government should deport them.

Meanwhile, Dowa Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Richard Kaponda said police are looking for the individuals who aided these 28 Ethiopians to enter the country. Sgt Kaponda said once the culprits are found, they will answer charges of aiding illegal entry.

Cases of illegal entry by Ethiopians are on the increase in Malawi. In police in the district of Dowa alone, have arrested over 71 Ethiopian nationals on similar offence. 

In January, Dowa First Grade magistrate Court sentenced 71 Ethiopian nationals to serve 3 months imprisonment with hard labour and that after their jail term government should deport them all. The court also fined them K5, 000 each.