Phalombe communities intercept child-trafficking move

Nine people are in police custody on suspicion of trafficking seven children below the age of 17 from Malawi to neighbouring Mozambique.

Eastern Region Police assistant public relations officer Constable Otilia Kumanga said five of the suspects are Mozambicans from Zambezia Province whereas the four are Malawians from Senior Chief Chikowi in Zomba.

She identified the Mozambican suspects as Rogers Nawiliko, James Robert, Bauleni Tchulani, Clayton Josolo, and Andrea Master.

The Malawian suspects are the Nthibula brothers – Amos and Tamandani from Kalaundi Village, and the Gauti brothers – Manuel and Steven from Bwanali Village.

Constable Kumanga said the suspects connived with their friends in neighbouring Mozambique where the seven children, were expected to be employed as workers in farms.

“Community policing forum at Phaloni Trading Centre in Phalombe district suspected something after seeing the suspects together with the children.

“Upon querying their motives, the suspects could not properly explain and were eventually arrested. They were then taken to Phaloni Police Unit,” she said.

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