27/01/2026
Foreigners sneak in Zambia, set up businesses, mine illegally but immigration laughs last
FOREIGN NATIONALS who illegally entered Zambia and went on to establish businesses and engage in illegal gold mining have been exposed following the arrest of more than 100 suspects during a major security operation at Danger Hill mining area in Shiwangβandu.
At least 112 people were arrested, among them 104 Tanzanian nationals, one Malawian and four people claiming to be Zambians, after law enforcement agencies descended on the mining site to dismantle what authorities say had become a hub of illegal mining and unauthorised commercial activities.
Three Zambians were also detained for possession of psychotropic substances.
This came to light in a joint operation on Monday by the Department of Immigration, Zambia Police Service and Drug Enforcement Commission.
Immigration spokesperson Namati Nshinka said the operation demonstrates the departmentβs firm commitment to protecting national security and the integrity of Zambiaβs mining sector.
Nshinka revealed that some of the foreign nationals were involved in illegal gold mining or trading in unlawfully mined gold.
βOthers were operating restaurants and trading various merchandise within the mining area. Most were undocumented, while a few had Temporary Travel Documents, which allow them to enter the country but not engage in business activities,β he said.
He added that all suspects are being held at Mpika Correctional Facility pending further screening and possible prosecution.
The Department of Immigration further detained 68 suspected illegal immigrants, secured 16 convictions, and deported 12 foreign nationals nationwide.
βThe Department reiterates its commitment to Governmentβs firm stance against illegal mining and related criminal activities, and will continue working with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks that undermine national security, economic integrity, and the rule of law,β added Nshinka.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba January 27, 2026
