48 Ethiopians found stranded in eastern Tanzania forest

Police in Coast region in collaboration with the Immigration Department have apprehended 48 illegal immigrants of Ethiopian origin on Friday night at around 8.00 pm, at Ubena forest, Chalinze division in Bagamoyo district, [east Tanzania].

Confirming the report, Acting Regional Police Commander SSP Athumani Mwambalaswa told reporters on Saturday that the Ethiopians were deserted by agents who had promised to take them to their destination, but failed to keep to their promise leaving the immigrants wandering in the forest for a total of 15 days, without food or water.

Regional Immigration Officer, Mr Ndelema Mwakipesile said that the immigrants were found in really bad health due to hunger, thirst and fatigue. “When we rounded them up in the forest, we gave them glucose and food as they were very weak,” he said. According to Mr Mwakipesile, the immigrants are expected to appear in court next week.

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Source: DailyNews Online, August 24, 2014