MBELWA CHIEFS COUNCIL URGES MZIMBA RESIDENTS TO REFRAIN FROM HARBOURING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

 The Mbelwa chiefs council has expressed concern over the increasing trend of residents in mzimba district assisting illegal foreign nationals in entering the country. The council warns that this practice could jeopardise national security.

The remarks come in the wake of a surge in human trafficking and illegal immigration cases recorded in 2024 alone in the district.

In an interview, the council's secretary general Inkosi Jalavikuba emphasised the risks possed by harbouring and aiding illegal immigrants highlighting the potential dangers they may bring.

"It is extremely dangerous to assist foreign nationals in entering our country illegally. We can never be sure what they are truly fleeing from. They may be war criminals or even terrorists trying to evade justice in their home countries. By harbouring them, we are putting our national security at serious risk", said Jalavikuba.

Meanwhile public relations officer for the immigration department and citizen services Wellington Chiponde stated that the department has intensified efforts to combat the vice by tightening surveillance along the borders and collaborating with other security agencies in the country.

"We are currently working tirelessly with our colleagues in various security departments to assist us in operations so that we can diminish these trending malpractices. Additionally, we are also working with community and religious leaders to tackle the issue from all angles", he said.

However social commentator Peter Mumbai has called for harsh penalities for those involved in these illegal activities including public officers and other perpetrators arguing stringent punishment would serve as a deterrent to others.

"It is crucial that our judicial system imposes severe sentences on those engaged in these unlawful activities. Such actions would send a clear message that crimes will not be tolerated in our motherland", Mumba stated.

He further urged authorities to intensify awareness campaigns across communities ,stressing that educating the public about the dangers of harbouring illegal immigrants and human trafficking is essential in eradicating the problem.

The growing concern over illegal immigration and human trafficking highlights the urgent need for both preventative measures and stricter enforcement of laws to safeguard Malawi's security.

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