Islamic boss PI case unfolds

CHARLES MUSONDA writes A WITNESS has testified that 11 Somali nationals said to be brought into Zambia illegally had approved visas. In this case Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia (ISCZ) president Suzgo Zimba and two Somalis Egeh Hussein and Omar Mohamud are facing 13 charges of giving false information to an immigration officer, harbouring prohibited immigrants, and aiding and abetting illegal immigrants. Particulars of the offences are that between January 1 and May 21, 2019, they procured immigration visas for 11 Somalis by allegedly purporting that they were visiting Zambia to attend an inter-cultural competence course at Kook College of International Studies when in fact not. In cross examination by defence lawyer Felix Mutale yesterday, Kook College of International Studies head of student affairs Brian Mofya said the approved visas were 19 in total but only 11 Somalis came. Mr. Mofya said the programme did not take place because most of the times he was going to the Immigration Department for questioning. “It was difficult for the students especially that their documents were held by the Immigration Department. The students were in fear, they did not know what was happening and so we could not proceed with the programme. It was frustrated by the Immigration Department,” Mr. Mofya said. He said Zimba and his co-accused did not personally invite the students as they were invited by the school.  The accused persons are accused of knowingly aiding, abetting, and assisting Ifra Hassan, Shafi Haliwo, Abdi Hassan, Mohamud Hassan, Mahad Ibrahim, Ahmed Fara, AbdifatahYusuf, Ali Fara, Faysal Hassan, Abdishakur Mohamed and Hassan Mohamed entry and remaining in Zambia. Trial continues on June 15, 2020. The Sun