Dodoma municipal workers bury the bodies of some 43 Ethiopian nationals who suffocated earlier this week in a container which was illegally transporting them to Malawi.

The government has vowed to track down and put to book all individuals involved in clandestine business of human trafficking.

Speaking at the burial occasion for 21 dead Ethiopian illegal immigrants held on Friday evening at Medeli cemetery on the outskirts of Dodoma municipality, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Pereira Ame Silima said it was intolerable for some greedy people to turn their fellow human beings into commodities.

The 43 Ethiopian illegal immigrants were found dead at Chitego village in Kongwa district, Dodoma region believed to be en route to the southern African state of Malawi.

“The government in collaboration with East African and other African governments will ensure maximum security at borders to combat this illegal trade,” said the deputy minister.

He said such illegal trade was conducted by unscrupulous individuals for personal gain contrary to values of civilisation.

“It is very sad to learn that people have now prioritised money, discarding humanity. The government will neither tolerate such individuals nor their deeds. Stern measures will be taken against any individuals involved in this business,” Ame Silima emphasized.

The deputy minister called upon the public to stay away from engaging in the business as no stone would be left unturned until all individuals involved in the trade were put to justice.

He said the government through the Police Force has launched a special investigation in Ethiopia, Kenya and in the country in search for individuals engaging in human trafficking.

The deputy minister hinted that the investigation has begun showing some signs of success though he did not go into details.

Sheikh Ally Almasi called upon the government to conduct a special manhunt to arrest all involved in that illegal undertaking.

Earlier on Dodoma Regional Commissioner Dr Rehema Nchimbi said more time was needed for the government to care for 82 survivors as they were psychologically affected.

Another 22 illegal Ethiopian immigrants were buried in Morogoro region recently.