The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has called on the Malawi Police Service and other authorities to provide clear answers over recent abduction cases, saying successful rescue operations must be followed by accountability.
In a statement that Malawi24 has seen CHRR said it was concerned about the recent spate of abductions, citing the kidnapping of British national Nusrat Osman in Blantyre last week and that of Crossroads Hotel Managing Director Sameer Sacranie in Lilongwe earlier this year.
The organization welcomed the rescue of Osman and commended police officers involved in the operation, particularly Deputy Inspector General Noel Kayira, who was injured during the rescue operation.
However, CHRR said the rescue of victims should not mark the end of the security response, arguing that authorities must establish who was behind the abductions, whether wider criminal networks are involved and whether those responsible will face justice.
The organisation has also raised concerns over the lack of substantive information surrounding Sacranie’s abduction on February 6, 2026 and his return 33 days later.
According to CHRR, the public has yet to receive sufficient information about the circumstances surrounding his abduction and return.
On the Osman case, CHRR said questions remain over the identities of the perpetrators, their networks and motives, as well as the source of firearms reportedly used during the operation.
The organisation also pointed to discrepancies in the number of suspects reportedly killed during the rescue operation. Police initially reported that four suspected kidnappers had been shot and later died from their injuries, while Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga subsequently said two suspects had been killed.
“Authorities have not publicly explained the reason for the change,” CHRR said, warning that the lack of clarity could undermine public confidence in the police and the wider security apparatus.
CHRR has therefore called on authorities to provide credible updates on major abduction cases while protecting information that could compromise investigations or the safety of victims and witnesses.
It has further urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and prosecute perpetrators and accomplices, including tracing the sources of firearms, vehicles, financing and other logistical support allegedly used in the crimes.
