Mzuzu Immigration Deputy Public Relations Officer Francis Chitambuli has confirmed the arrest of 48 illegal immigrants from Ethiopia who were apprehended following a tip from well-wishers.

Chitambuli said the illegal immigrants were hiding in the Mountain around Msawaji area in Rumphi district and are being held for illegal entry into Malawi which is contrary to section 21(1) of the Malawi Immigration Act.

“We were alerted by well-wishers that some suspicious people were hiding in Msawaji Mountain and officers rushed to the scene where they managed to apprehend the first team of 12 Ethiopians.”

According to Chitambuli, the second team of 23 Ethiopians was arrested on Saturday after conducting various patrols around Ekwendeni and the last 13 were arrested the following Sunday at Ekayiweni in Mzimba district.

All the 48 illegal Ethiopian immigrants are being held in Mzuzu prison where they are waiting for legal proceedings.

Chitambuli has recommended the well-wishers for being patriotic by reporting to Immigration officials after they had suspected of the arrested illegal immigrants in Msawaji Mountain.