Malawi Police Service is investigating the abduction of a 47-year-old British national, Nusrat Osman, who was rescued on Thursday night. According to Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga, eight suspects were involved in the abduction, but six remain at large. Two suspects, described as masterminds, were shot dead at the scene during the rescue operation. The police are yet to establish the motive behind the kidnapping.
The abduction occurred on September 11 at Mount Pleasant in Blantyre, with the suspects using a Nissan Dualis registration number CA 6956. Osman was rescued in a successful operation that involved community assistance. Luhanga attributed the successful rescue mission to the bravery and commitment of deputy IG of operations Noel Kayira, who was shot in the stomach during the operation and is currently in stable condition at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital.
Deputy IG Noel Kayira was on the ground to encourage officers during the rescue operation. Luhanga clarified that there is nothing irregular about Kayira's presence at the scene. Kayira's dedication and bravery led to the successful operation, according to Luhanga. The police are increasing their presence to strengthen policing as a way of dealing with such crime.
The police identified the two suspects who were shot dead as Marcolino Munguambe, 43, a Mozambican national, and Limbani Anthony, 44. They were armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and a Grisan Regard MC Pistol. The kidnappers had not demanded any ransom, and the police are still investigating the matter.
National Police spokesperson Gladys Chiwaula said the service is committed to safeguarding public safety, protecting citizens' rights, and maintaining peace and order across Malawi. She commended all the officers involved in the operation for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment. The police also acknowledged the support from the Asian community, mobile operators, Road Traffic Directorate, and members of the public.
First Vice-President Jane Ansah, Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito, and Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi visited Kayira at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital on Friday. Mukhito said they recovered mobile phones belonging to the suspected kidnappers and commended Kayira for his dedication during the operation. He expressed happiness over the increased confidence in the police.
The Malawi Police Service initially offered a reward of K30 million for credible information leading to the whereabouts of Osman. Six people assisted in the investigations and split the reward among them. The police continue to investigate the matter, and the community's assistance is being appreciated.
Key points
- Six suspects remain at large after the abduction of a British national in Malawi.
- The motive behind the kidnapping is still unknown.
- Deputy IG Noel Kayira was shot during the rescue operation and is in stable condition.
