Malawi Police Rescue Kidnapped British Woman in Operation That Killed Four Suspects

A British woman who was kidnapped in Malawi nearly a week ago has been successfully rescued during a police operation that resulted in the deaths of four suspected kidnappers and left a senior police official wounded.

Nusrat Osman, 47, was freed on Thursday during an operation on the outskirts of the southern city of Blantyre, according to police statements.

During the operation, officers exchanged gunfire with the suspected kidnappers, who police confirmed were armed with an AK-47 rifle and a pistol.

“The criminals got shot and were rushed to the hospital where they succumbed to the injuries,” the Malawi Police Service said in an official statement.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira, who participated in the operation, also sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. The police confirmed he remains in stable condition.

Following her rescue, Osman was reunited with her family and transported to a hospital for medical treatment as well as physical and mental health evaluations, as reported by local media outlets.

Osman’s younger brother, Shobi Jiwa, expressed his gratitude to the Malawian police for securing his sister’s release. Speaking to The Sun, a British tabloid newspaper, he stated that the family was deeply appreciative of the force’s investigative efforts in solving the kidnapping case.

Jiwa also paid tribute to Kayira, the injured police chief, describing him as the family’s “hero” for risking his own life to ensure Osman’s safety during the rescue mission.

Police have not released the identities of the four deceased suspects and have not provided additional details regarding how officers located the group.

Osman was abducted by four unidentified men in Blantyre’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood on September 11th.

According to police reports, she had been driving home when the assailants blocked her vehicle, forced her into another car, and drove away.

The disappearance triggered a major search operation, with authorities offering a reward of 30 million Malawian kwacha ($17,000; £12,500) for information leading to her rescue and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Osman, originally from Leicester in the UK, has resided in Malawi for several years and is employed by an auditing firm. She is married and has two young children.

The UK Foreign Office had previously informed the BBC that it was aware of reports concerning the abduction of a British national in Malawi and was coordinating with local authorities.

The case had puzzled investigators, as police reported no known ransom demands or communication from the kidnappers following Osman’s disappearance.

Osman’s family had made emotional public appeals for her safe return, describing the situation as deeply distressing and urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately.

The kidnapping also raised concerns among Malawi’s business community and British nationals residing in the southern African country, where abductions of foreigners are relatively uncommon.

Police have not disclosed any potential motives or indicated whether additional individuals may be involved in the case.

Investigators stated that their investigation is ongoing to determine the complete circumstances surrounding both the kidnapping and the subsequent rescue operation.

Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.

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