By Twink Jones Gadama
Stevens Prince Thengo is demanding a whopping K300 million in compensation from the Immigration Department for the ordeal he faced after being arrested and denied entry into Israel on December 24. Thengo’s lawyer, Prince William Chiwaya, claims that the Immigration Department issued Thengo a counterfeit passport, which led to his arrest and subsequent denial of entry into Israel.
According to Chiwaya, Thengo was arrested at the immigration desk in Israel for using a fake passport and was sent back to Malawi via Zambia, where he was again arrested and remanded in custody for two days. Chiwaya expressed outrage over the incident, stating that it’s “heartbreaking” to note that the Immigration Department issued a counterfeit passport to his client, causing him “so much suffering”.
The Attorney General, Thabo Nyirenda, has confirmed receiving the letter from Chiwaya but stated that he is yet to receive a formal summons. The incident has raised serious questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Immigration Department in issuing travel documents.
Thengo’s lawyers are demanding a thorough investigation into the incident and are calling for those responsible to be held accountable. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency within the Immigration Department.
As the Attorney General, Thabo Nyirenda, is a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in financial law, commercial law, and public law, it will be interesting to see how he handles this case. Nyirenda was appointed as the Attorney General in August 2021, replacing Chikosa Silungwe.
