A 21-year-old woman from Malawi has been rescued in a tense cross-border operation after she was allegedly trafficked into Tanzania following false promises of employment.
The woman was rescued on July 1, 2026 by officers from Ilomba Border Police Unit after she reported her ordeal at the border, bringing an end to days of uncertainty and fear away from home.
According to Chitipa Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Rabson Mkandawire, officers from Ilomba Border Police Unit rescued the woman after she reported the matter at the border.
The victim, identified as Maggie Chiona from Mwenemalanda Village, in the area of Senior Chief Mwenewenya in Chitipa District, told police that she was taken to Mbeya city, Tanzania, by a woman from her village who promised her a job.
“Upon arrival, she was forced to work under harsh conditions. Unable to endure the exploitation, she was later abandoned at Isongole border, where she sought help from the Tanzanian police officers,” Mkandawire said.
The incident comes barely months after reports emerged of suspected human trafficking involving young people from Chitipa District, some as young as 14 years old, who are allegedly transported to work in mines in Chunya, Tanzania, under extremely harsh conditions.
According to the reports, some victims have reportedly died after mine shafts collapsed, with their families unable to recover their remains.
Mkandawire say the victim is currently receiving help while investigations are underway to trace and arrest the suspected human trafficker.
By Andrew Andrew
