# British mother kidnapped in Malawi, family desperate for answers > Nusrat Osman was seized by armed men in Blantyre five days ago. Her family has heard nothing and investigators are scrambling for leads. - Title: British mother kidnapped in Malawi, family desperate for… - Summary: Nusrat Osman was seized by armed men in Blantyre five days ago. Her family has heard nothing and investigators are scrambling for leads. British nationals… - Keywords: nusrat osman, malawi, blantyre, leicester, kidnapping, shobi jiwa, british nationals, malawi police service, atupele muluzi, united democratic front, fcdo, ransom - Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16135213/Family-British-mother-kidnapped-gunmen-Malawi-say-no-idea-taken-heard-five-days.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss - Published: 2026-09-16T07:24:22+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: nusrat osman, malawi, blantyre, leicester, kidnapping, shobi jiwa, british nationals, malawi police service, atupele muluzi, united democratic front, fcdo, ransom ## 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 ## Key takeaway British nationals working abroad face kidnapping risks, particularly in countries where such incidents are becoming more frequent.