On June 5, 2024, a Toyota Landcruiser V8, allegedly owned by a Member of Parliament (MP), was found transporting seven illegal Ethiopian immigrants in Kilimanjaro. The Immigration Department in Kilimanjaro has not yet identified the car’s owner, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Although more than 24 hours have passed without identifying the car’s owner, a source from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) suggested that finding the owner typically takes less than two minutes using their system.
Efforts to reach the MP, who was in Kilimanjaro for family matters, were unsuccessful. Phone calls were not answered, and while a text message was read, it remained unanswered.
The Immigration Department is continuing its investigation to identify the car’s owner. Investigations by the Mwananchi newspaper revealed that the car’s registration name matches exactly with the name of a sitting MP in the National Assembly.
TRA’s Assistant Manager of Taxpayer Services in Kilimanjaro, Zablon Walwa, stated that by law, they cannot disclose taxpayer information to anyone other than the taxpayer or authorized authorities such as the police or courts.
“We are not authorized to share vehicle ownership information, as it is considered tax-related data. Only the taxpayer or authorized entities can access this information,” Walwa explained.
Immigration Department Statement
Fakih Nyakunga, an Immigration Officer in Kilimanjaro, confirmed the arrest of seven Ethiopian immigrants found in the vehicle. He emphasized that they are still investigating to determine the vehicle’s owner, as the driver fled the scene.
Nyakunga stated, “On June 4, 2024, during our routine operations in Himo, we intercepted seven Ethiopian nationals heading to South Africa. We are continuing our investigation and will take them to court afterwards. According to the law, if a vehicle is found transporting illegal immigrants, it will be confiscated by the government.”
Nyakunga urged citizens to avoid involvement in the illegal transport of immigrants, warning that any vehicles or properties used in such activities will be seized. He noted that those caught could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of 20 million Tanzanian shillings, or both.
Nyakunga also called on village and local leaders to identify unoccupied houses often used as hideouts for illegal immigrants. Additionally, he appealed to passenger vehicle drivers and food vendors to report any suspicious activities related to illegal immigration.
Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander, Simon Maigwa, confirmed the arrest of the illegal immigrants and referred further inquiries to the Immigration Department.
Details of the Vehicle’s Capture
Sources indicated that the illegal immigrants were apprehended on June 4, 2024, between 1:30 and 2:30 PM in the parking area of a hotel on the Moshi-Dar es Salaam Road. The driver escaped, claiming to buy phone credit but fled the scene by motorcycle, taking the car keys with him.
The Mwananchi investigation identified three common routes used to smuggle immigrants: from Himo or Chekereni to Morogoro, then through Iringa and Mbeya to Tunduma; from Himo to Muheza via the Moshi-Dar es Salaam highway, then Morogoro to Mbeya; and through the Nyumba ya Mungu Reservoir route.
Rise of SUVs in Human Smuggling
On March 25, 2024, another similar SUV was intercepted at a checkpoint in Minjingu, Babati, with 20 illegal Ethiopian immigrants. The driver used a CCM flag to deceive the police, but investigations revealed the vehicle was not associated with the party.
On April 9, 2024, police in Manyara seized a luxury Toyota Landcruiser VXR V8 with government license plates transporting 17 Ethiopian immigrants. The vehicle was found with private number plates, which were the legitimate ones.
Another incident on March 23, 2024, involved a Toyota Land Cruiser VXR V8, also flying a CCM flag, carrying 20 Ethiopian immigrants. It was stopped at a checkpoint in Minjingu, Babati, Manyara.
These cases highlight the ongoing challenge of human smuggling in Tanzania, with traffickers using increasingly sophisticated methods to evade detection. Authorities have claimed they will continue to crack down on these activities, including with severe penalties for those involved.
