POLICE in Kwekwe last week intercepted and arrested 23 illegal Ethiopian migrants, who were on their way to South Africa. The Ethiopians were arrested while taking a nap near One Air Defence Regiment in Kwekwe on March 1.
BY BLESSED MHLANGA
Last Wednesday, they appeared before magistrate Taurai Manwere to answer charges of contravening section 11 of the Immigration Act (entry by evasion).
Their leader, Mulumen Mentose Kelbore (35), who spoke little English told the court that they were on their way to South Africa in search for a better life.
According to the State, the 23 were intercepted by soldiers, who were on patrol.
“At a bushy area near One Air Defence Regiment, three soldiers were on patrol when they came across the accused persons, who were asleep in the camp,” read part of the State outline.
The State alleges that upon being searched, it was discovered that each had Ethiopian passports, which were last stamped by Kenyan immigration officials on February 1.
The court remanded them to March 9 to allow the processing of their deportation papers, while the State also moves to secure an interpreter to facilitate the trial.
