36 Arrested in Salima Over Suspected Illegal Entry

Police in Salima have arrested 36 people on suspicion of illegally entering Malawi following an overnight operation conducted along the Lilongwe–Salima Road.

Salima Police spokesperson Rebecca Ndiwate confirmed that the arrests were made on the night of May 18 after officers mounted checkpoints in the area targeting suspected illegal migrants and undocumented travellers.

“During the checkpoints, police seized four vehicles, two Honda Freeds, a Volkswagen, and a Vanguard bearing registration numbers DA 12311, MHG 7458, CK 9773, and BZ3409,” said Ndiwate.

According to police, the suspects failed to produce valid travel and immigration documents required for entry into the country, leading to their arrest.

Authorities further disclosed that three drivers who were transporting the suspects fled the scene and remain at large.

Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to trace the escaped drivers and establish the identities and nationalities of the suspects.