Tanzanian authorities said Saturday they had arrested 45 illegal Ethiopian migrants hiding in maize fields.

Crispin Ngonyani, Head of Immigration Department in Tanga Region, said they were arrested for entering the East African nation illegally.

The official said that they were found the northeastern district of Mkinga while hiding in the farms located close to Tanzania-Kenya border of Horohoro.

He said that they were waiting for the person who was to transport them to the Tanzania-Malawi border as the suspected illegal migrants were on the way to South Africa for greener pasture.

"They were found in maize fields, while they have harvested some of the maize, the situation which shows that they were hungry."

Ngonyani said that Tanzanian security organs were looking for Tanzanians who were behind the syndicate of human trafficking.

The Ethiopian nationals will next Monday be taken to the court.

The immigration officer has urged citizens to stop keeping illegal immigrants in their homes and that whoever found doing so will face legal actions, including prosecution.

Tanzania is the main gateway for illegal immigrants particularly for those who are on the way to South Africa to seek greener pastures.

Source : Xinhua