Malawi seize passport of British charity head
Malawi government has seized a passport of British charity volunteer Mary Woodworth, 46, who runs the Friends of Mulanje Orphans (FOMO) in Malawi.
The state has since pressed six criminal charges against the Malawian born who is now a British citizen.
Woodworth was arrested last year after being accused of a string of offences including trespass; conduct likely to cause breach of the peace and thefts in the land dispute involving Chitakale Tea Plantations owned by business tycon Leston Mulli.
However, Mulanje Magistrate court discharged her and five others.
The orphanage boss has been in Malawi in the last two weeks for her charity activities but she was summoned to appear before Mulanje Magistrate Court this Wednesday to face six charges.
The court summons, according to National Gazette, was issued after an application by the state through private practice lawyer Frank Mbeta.
Her passport has been taken by security forces at Mulanje.
The land in dispute which Supreme Court ruled belonged to Woodworth and her aunt Lisnet Gremu, has since been given to Dave Kanyoza, a business associate of Mulli.
Woodworth,who fears for her life, informed that the British Embassy was providing her with consular support and security details.
Her Fomo orphanages reach out to over 5,000 children, through its 13 centres covering over 80 villages in Mulanje district.
