The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has challenged the Malawi Police Service to dismantle the criminal networks behind the recent spate of abductions.
The body said authorities must establish who was behind the abduction of British national Nusrat Osman, the motive, the source of firearms and whether wider criminal networks are involved.
CHRR executive director Michael Kaiyatsa said government and police must also provide reasonable updates on investigations and prosecutions.
“The test of our national security system cannot end with the rescue of victims. The public also needs to know what happened and whether those responsible will face justice,” he said.
Osman, 47, was reportedly abducted in Blantyre on September 11 by four unidentified men travelling in a Nissan Dualis. Deputy Inspector of Police Noel Kayira took a bullet in a crossfire to rescue her on September 17.
Police said the suspects, Mozambican national Marcolino Munguambe, 43, and Malawian Limbani Anthony, 44, later died at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
Police Inspector General Richard Luhanga said investigations continue and that the motive remains unknown, with no ransom demand established.
CHRR raised concern over conflicting number of suspects killed during the operation. Police initially reported that four suspects were shot dead before Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga later said two had died.
“The absence of a clear explanation risks undermining public confidence in the police’s handling of the operation and, more broadly, in the country’s security apparatus,” CHRR said.
The rights group also cited secrecy over the February abduction of Crossroads Hotel managing director Sameer Sacranie, who returned home after 33 days, bemoaning unanswered questions.
Kaiyatsa said police should establish not only the perpetrators and accomplices, but also the source of firearms, vehicles, financing and other logistical support.
A retired police officer, who asked not to be named, said prolonged police silence creates room for speculation and fear, although investigations require some information to remain confidential.
Security analyst Alex Chisiano said kidnapping cases had previously been handled by police without attracting the same level of public attention, but high-profile victims had increased pressure on the service to provide updates.
He said the involvement of influential people could also complicate police efforts to provide information and urged a return to professional and independent policing.
Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito, Luhanga and police spokesperson Gladys Chiwaula could not be reached for comment yesterday.
However, an update on Saturday on the Osman kidnapping case, Chiwaula said the police remain committed to safeguarding the public safety, protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining peace and order nationwide.—Additional reporting by Ntchindi Meki
