British woman kidnapped in Malawi

Nusrat Osman, a 47-year-old auditor from Leicester, was abducted outside her home in Blantyre on September 11 at around 12:30pm. Police offered a reward of 30 million Malawi kwacha, about 12,950 pounds, for information leading to her rescue.

Police kill four suspects in shootout

Malawian police rescued Osman after exchanging fire with her kidnappers, who were armed with an AK47 rifle and a Girsan Regard MC pistol. Four alleged abductors were shot and died from their injuries at hospital.

“There was an exchange of fire between police and kidnappers, who were armed with [an] AK47 rifle and a Girsan Regard MC pistol.”

Police officer shot during rescue

Deputy Inspector General Mlowoka Noel Kayira was shot during the operation but is in stable condition at hospital. Osman's brother called him a hero for risking his life to save his sister.

“He is the hero of our family. He's the hero of the country. He's the hero of the world, actually.”

Victim safe after ordeal

Osman, a mother of two who had lived in Malawi for several years with her husband and children, was safe and not too shaken after her rescue. Her family had no news of her during the five days she was missing.

Kidnappings rare in Malawi

Kidnappings are uncommon in Malawi, a landlocked southern African nation of 22 million people with an average annual income of 672 dollars. The US State Department noted in 2024 that westerners are rarely targeted, with Asian business people more often affected.

“Kidnappings are not a widespread concern in Malawi, and there have been no recent high-profile incidents involving westerners.”

Motive for abduction remains unclear

Police have not disclosed whether the reward led to Osman's rescue and investigations are ongoing. Her family said they received no ransom demand and could not identify any motive for the kidnapping.

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