Tanzanian farmers in docks for illegal entry

MULENGA MUSONDA writes

TWO Farmers from neighbouring Tanzania have appeared in the Nakonde Magistrates Court separately for illegal entry into Zambia.

William Lugenge 40 and Ishmaeli Hassan 32, farmers of Mupemba in Tanzania are charged with failing to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer.

Particulars of the offence are that the two separately, being Tanzanian nationals entered Zambia and failed to appear before the nearest Immigration officer at the point of entry or such designated point.

The two were apprehended on 21st July 2020 in Nakonde district and have remained in custody since.

When the two matters came up for plea before Resident Magistrate George Banda, both Lugenge and Hassan pleaded guilty.

Court: Have you understood the charge against you?

Lugenge: Yes

Court: How do you plead?

Lugenge: I admit

Court: You are confirming that you are a Tanzanian national?

Lugenge: Yes

Court: You are also confirming that you failed to appear before an immigration officer at the point of entry ?

Lugenge: Yes

Court: I record a plea of guilty.

After entering pleas of guilty in respect to both accused persons, the Court adjourned the matters to 31 July 2020 for Facts and possible sentencing.

The two were remanded in custody.