The Mzuzu Senior Resident Magistrate Court has sentenced 52 Ethiopians to four months imprisonment with hard labor for entering the country illegally.

The sentence is without an option for a fine.

The convicts were arrested at Mkombezi area in Rumphi District while hiding inside a vehicle.

Immigration department state prosecutor, Bright Matemba said there is an influx of illegal immigrants into the country hence the need to address the situation.

The 52 join the other 28 Ethiopian nationals who were also convicted on March 21 this year on a similar offence.

They will all be serving their jail term at Mzuzu Prison.

Copied:Times3610Malawi