British mother kidnapped in Malawi

Nusrat Osman, 47, was seized by four armed men in a grey Nissan in Blantyre on Friday at 12:30pm. Her family hasn't heard from her in five days.

Mother of two from Leicester

Osman is from Leicester and was working as an auditor in Malawi. She moved there for her husband's job and has two young children.

Dragged from her car by gunmen

Her brother Shobi Jiwa described the traumatizing moment when four armed men dragged Osman out of her car and took her away.

“My sister has been missing for five days with no trace or call”

No idea why she was taken

When asked about a possible motive, Jiwa said there is nothing the family can think of. Her husband also said he has no issues with anyone.

“There is nothing we can think of”

Husband speaks out in desperation

Osman's husband told local media he doesn't know where she is or how she is. He emphasized his wife is an auditor with no conflicts.

“I don't know where she is or how she is. My wife is an auditor and I have no issues with anyone”

Police flood public with texts

Investigators are inundating members of the public with text messages as they scramble for leads, according to local outlet Nyasa Times.

Reward offered for information

Authorities have offered a reward of more than £12,600 for credible information that could help rescue Osman and prosecute those responsible.

Family pleads for prayers

Jiwa issued a public plea asking for prayers, saying no one knows anything and it's the only thing that can help at this stage.

“No one knows anything. It's the only thing that can help us at this stage”

Described as a humble soul

Jiwa described his sister as a humble soul and beautiful person involved in various charities. She's a jolly, extroverted person.

“She's involved in various charities, a jolly person, an extrovert… we don't understand why she was taken”

Brother begs kidnappers to release her

Addressing the kidnappers directly, Jiwa begged them to let her go. He said she's a mother of two who needs to come home.

“She's a mother of two. Please let her go”

Part of a troubling pattern

Jiwa said his sister's abduction is the latest in a string of similar incidents. There have been four similar cases, but this is the first woman.

“There have been four similar cases. This is the first time a woman has been abducted”

Known for connecting with people

A missing person appeal described Osman as a loving wife and enormously proud mother. One of her greatest gifts is her ability to connect with people.

“One of Nusrat's greatest gifts is her ability to connect with people. She has friends from every walk of life”

Friends describe her warmth

A friend posted that Osman is one of the kindest, warmest and most loving people. She's a devoted mother and loving wife deeply missed.

“Nusrat is one of the kindest, warmest and most loving people I have ever had the privilege of knowing”

Politician condemns growing trend

United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi condemned the kidnapping as deeply disturbing. He said abductions are becoming increasingly frequent in Malawi.

Call for intensified investigation

Muluzi urged police to intensify investigations and do everything possible to secure Osman's safe return and bring those responsible to justice.

“I urge the Malawi Police Service to intensify investigations and do everything within its power to secure Nusrat's safe return”

UK warns of kidnapping risk

UK travel advice warns of occasional kidnappings for ransom in Malawi. British nationals have been targeted, and wealthy individuals face increased risk.

“In some instances, the kidnapped individuals have been British nationals, so kidnappers may also target foreigners”

British government monitoring situation

An FCDO spokesperson said they are aware of reports that a British national has been abducted and are in touch with local authorities.

“We are aware of reports that a British national has been abducted in Malawi and are in touch with local authorities”