By Burnett Munthali
Malawi Police Inspector General Richard Luhanga has revealed that six suspects remain at large in connection with the kidnapping of British national Nusrat Osman, while two others were killed during the operation that led to her rescue.
Speaking at a press briefing in Blantyre on Saturday,Luhanga said eight people were involved in the abduction, with police now pursuing the six suspects as investigations into the case continue.
He said police located the house where Osman was being held after receiving information from six informants who are expected to share a K30 million reward offered in connection with the case.
Luhanga
According to Luhanga, the two suspects who were at the house during the operation were shot and later died after being taken to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital(QECH) in the commercial city.
He identified the deceased as Marcolino Munguambe, a Mozambican national, and Limbani Anthony from Mangochi, District.
Luhanga said police also recovered two rifles from the suspects.
He said the men in uniform not established that the kidnappers demanded a ransom by the time Osman was rescued, adding that investigations into the circumstances and motive behind the abduction are continuing.
Luhanga also disclosed that Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira was shot in the stomach during the rescue operation and was taken to Mwaiwathu Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
He said the identities of the two suspects were not disclosed immediately because they were in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds during the operation.
National Police Service spokesperson Gladys Chiwaula said police initially received a complaint from Osman’s husband, Nazil Osman, reporting that his wife had been abducted.
Chiwaula said investigators acted after receiving information that Osman was being held at a house in Mingale Village near Mpemba, leading to the operation in which the two suspects were shot.
Police earlier offered a K30 million reward for credible information that could lead to Osman’s rescue and the arrest, prosecution and conviction of those responsible for her abduction.
