The National Migration Service (SENAMI) revealed today that it has repatriated 15 Ethiopian illegal immigrants who were located in a bush in the Zumbo district of Tete when they were trying to cross the Zambezi River to reach Zimbabwe.

"They were found by a night patrol team on Thursday, abandoned in the forest and without any documents," said Amélia Direito, SENAMI's spokesperson in Tete, according to Lusa.

According to the authorities, the illegal immigrants, aged between 24 and 25, came from Malawi after crossing Zambia and arrived in Mozambique with the intention of using the Zambezi River to go to Zimbabwe and finally reach South Africa, their final destination.

Amélia Direito also explained that the men had arrived in the Zumbo forests in the company of a Mozambican, adding that the 15 Ethiopians had been repatriated two days ago.

"Some of the group of migrants say that the person accompanying them went to find means to help them cross the river and others say that he ran away when he realized the presence of the police," said the spokeswoman.