Chinese Susu extradited, faces trafficking charges
Zambia has extradited to Malawi Chinese Lu Ke, accused of exploiting children in Lilongwe and Mchinji districts, who now faces charges of trafficking in persons.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday that Lu Ke, widely known as Susu, was handed over to Malawi at Mchinji Border Post on Saturday.
The ministry said the Chinese contravened various laws of Malawi and the Director of Public Prosecutions will outline various charges against him in due course.
In an interview yesterday, National Police deputy spokesperson Harry Namwaza confirmed Susu’s extradition.
He said besides trafficking in persons charges, more charges are expected to be laid against him once the case starts.
“The State is ready to prosecute the matter. Other charges may be laid against him once the case starts. We will ensure that he appears in court soon,” said Namwaza.
In his reaction, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) executive director Silvester Namiwa yesterday said the handing over of Susu to authorities in Malawi is a step in the right direction.
He said: “We are excited that he is finally in Malawi to face trial. If convicted, he should serve his sentence here in Malawi. Cdedi and other stakeholders will be following up on the issue. We want to see that justice takes its course.”
Besides Cdedi, other organisations, including University of Malawi Child Rights Legal Clinic and Non-Governmental Organisation Gender Coordination Network, demanded that Susu be brought to Malawi and face trial in the country.
They also demanded compensation for the children and their families and rehabilitation of the exploitated children.
Susu fled to Zambia after reports of the alleged exploitation. The suspect was making video clips of the children and he branded the children as monsters and idiots.
He is alleged to have made a fortune out of the videos.
The Zambian authorities arrested Susu and fined him for illegal entry as well as unlawful stay.
