Musoma — Immigration officials in Mara Region have arrested four Ethiopians on suspicion of entering the country illegally.

Regional immigration officer Fumbuka Shaaban said the Ethiopians were arrested when police and immigration officers flagged down a bus travelling from the border town of Sirari to Mwanza.

The four had entered Tanzania from Kenya and were on their way to Malawi, according to information obtained during their interrogation.

The suspects failed to produce valid passports, and were taken into custody pending their arraignment on charges of illegal entry and stay.

Mr Shaaban said, however, that immigration officers had a tough time interviewing the suspects who could only communicate in Amharic.

"We are currently looking for an interpreter who will make it easier for us and the suspects understand each other in court. We'll sort out this problem in the next few days," he added.

Mr Shaaban said the Immigration Department had stepped up checks at the Sirari border post, which has been described as a major entry point for illegal immigrants.