The first Grade Magistrate Court in Chitipa has ordered repatriation of 25 Ethiopians who were arrested at Lwaka hills in the district.
The court heard through state prosecution Inspector Oscar Mwamutobe that on February 26, 2023, Daniel Sega 20 and 24 others entered Malawi without any traveling documents and thereafter hide themselves at Lwakwa hills with aiding from one Malawian.
Appearing before court, language used was a barrier in the court room as the 25 Ethiopians expressed nothing about their case since the accused were unable to express themselves in English as well as any local language.
Despite that, Proceedings with the case went further as cited in section 138 of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code which gives power the court to proceed with the matter under such circumstances.
In his judgement, Magistrate Billy Ngosi ordered the State to repatriate 25 Ethiopians with immediate effect by the responsible ministry.
Meanwhile, all the 25 Ethiopian illegal immigrants are now in the hands of the Immigration Department for their necessary action following that ruling.
