Zambian authorities have uncovered a suspected human smuggling operation after seven Somali nationals were found concealed beneath bags of rice inside a vehicle that was allegedly travelling toward Zimbabwe en route to South Africa.
The discovery was made during a routine inspection by officers from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in Kapiri Mposhi. Officials became suspicious of a Toyota Probox during an enforcement operation and decided to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle.
According to the ZRA, officers found seven Somali men hidden in the rear cargo compartment of the vehicle. The migrants had allegedly been concealed beneath sacks of rice and other goods in what authorities described as a dangerous and cramped space.
Photographs released by the revenue authority showed officers removing the bags of rice before the men emerged from the back of the vehicle. The images have since attracted widespread attention on social media, with many expressing concern over the risks migrants face while attempting to reach other countries through illegal smuggling routes.
Authorities believe the group was travelling through Zimbabwe with South Africa believed to be their intended destination. The migrants were reportedly expected to cross into Zimbabwe via the Chirundu One Stop Border Post, one of the busiest border crossings in Southern Africa.
The border post plays a key role in regional trade and transport, connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe while serving as a major route for vehicles travelling further south into countries such as South Africa.
Following the discovery, the Zambian driver of the vehicle was immediately taken into custody. Both the driver and the seven Somali nationals were handed over to Zambia’s Department of Immigration for further processing and investigation.
Immigration officials are expected to profile the migrants and determine whether charges will be laid against those involved. Authorities indicated that any legal action would be taken in accordance with Zambia’s Immigration and Deportation Act.
Officials have not yet disclosed where the Somali nationals began their journey, nor have they confirmed whether Zimbabwe was intended only as a transit point before reaching South Africa.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of illegal migration and human smuggling across Southern Africa, where criminal networks often transport migrants across multiple borders under dangerous conditions in exchange for large sums of money.
In a separate operation, the Zambia Revenue Authority also seized another vehicle after its temporary import permit had expired. According to officials, the vehicle entered Zambia through the Kasumbalesa Border Post in December 2025 but remained in the country after the permit lapsed, violating customs regulations.
The ZRA used both incidents to remind motorists, transport operators and importers of the importance of complying with immigration and customs laws. Authorities warned that failure to follow the law could result in arrests, vehicle seizures and other enforcement measures.
Zambian officials say they will continue strengthening inspections and border enforcement efforts as part of ongoing measures to combat illegal migration, smuggling activities and customs violations along the country’s major transport corridors.
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