Children Rescued From Suspected Human Trafficking

Police have intercepted 24 Congolese nationals, among them 21 children, in Kasempa, North-Western province, in a suspected case of human trafficking.

The group, comprising 14 girls and 7 boys, all aged below 15, were found at Kasempa bus station, around 22:00 hours on Friday night, enroute to Mongu, Western Province from Solwezi.

One suspect, identified as Bernard Isa Nyandinda, aged 37, a Congolese national, who lives in Mongu, has since been apprehended.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga has confirmed in a statement to ZNBC news, saying this was during a joint security wing operation.

Mr. Hamoonga said the 21 children, were in the company of three Congolese adults, identified as Salima Shabani, aged 25, Mahuwa Sungwe, aged 40, and Bahati Colleta, aged 40, who is pregnant.

He has explained that the group was intercepted, after a tip, as they were travelling on a Lukumo bus, which was being driven by Mathews Manjimela, aged 49, of Sakaponde village of Chief Sikufele’s area in Kabompo.

It is believed the Congolese nationals were being trafficked from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Namibia via Kasumbalesa border.

Meanwhile, police in Lusaka have detained 34 suspected criminals, commonly known as Junkies, following numerous complaints of theft from members of the public.

Mr. Hamoonga said the suspects were apprehended yesterday, when police raided the Central Business District. – ZNBC