The relatives of a British woman reportedly abducted in Malawi have made an urgent public appeal after receiving no contact from her for five days. Her family say they remain in the dark over both her whereabouts and the reason she was taken.
Nusrat Osman, 47, was allegedly kidnapped at about 12.30pm local time on Friday in Blantyre. Four men travelling in a grey Nissan Dualis are said to have been involved.
The Leicester-born mother of two had relocated to Malawi because of her husband’s work and was employed there as an auditor.
Her younger brother, Shobi Jiwa, told The Sun that the alleged abduction was deeply traumatising. He said four armed men pulled Osman from her vehicle before driving away with her.
“My sister has been missing for five days with no trace or call,” he said.
When asked whether the family could identify a possible motive, he said: “There is nothing we can think of.”
Osman’s husband also told local publication Nyasa Times that he had no indication of where she might be. “I don’t know where she is or how she is,” he said. “My wife is an auditor and I have no issues with anyone.”
Malawi investigators are reportedly sending text messages to members of the public as they seek information that could help advance the search, Nyasa Times said.
Osman, a Leicester mother of two, had been living and working in Malawi as an auditor
Authorities have announced a reward of more than £12,600 for credible details leading to the safe recovery of the British mother-of-two and the prosecution of those behind her disappearance.
Jiwa has now issued a public plea, asking for prayers. He added: ‘No one knows anything. It’s the only thing that can help us at this stage.’
He described Osman as a ‘humble soul and a beautiful person.’
‘She’s involved in various charities, a jolly person, an extrovert… we don’t understand why she was taken’.
Addressing the kidnappers, he begged: ‘She’s a mother of two. Please let her go.’
Jiwa added that his sister’s abduction is the latest in a string of similar incidents in the African country.
‘There have been four similar cases’ he said, ‘This is the first time a woman has been abducted.’
A missing person appeal shared online described the mum-of-two as a ‘loving wife and enormously proud mother.’
The post added: ‘One of Nusrat’s greatest gifts is her ability to connect with people. She has friends from every walk of life.’
Osman’s friend posted on Facebook: ‘Nusrat is one of the kindest, warmest and most loving people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She is a devoted mother and a loving wife, and her family and friends miss her more than words can express.’
United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi condemned the kidnapping, describing the incident as deeply disturbing.
Writing on his official Facebook page, the politician said that abductions were becoming increasingly frequent in Malawi, a development he described as a grave concern for every resident.
He added: ‘I urge the Malawi Police Service to intensify investigations and do everything within its power to secure Nusrat’s safe return and bring those responsible to justice.
‘I appeal to anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the family or report immediately to the nearest police station.’
The UK travel advice warns that there are occasional reports of kidnappings for ransom in Malawi, adding that ‘in some instances, the kidnapped individuals have been British nationals, so kidnappers may also target foreigners.’
Wealthy individuals are likely to be at increased risk of this activity, it warns.
An FCDO spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of reports that a British national has been abducted in Malawi and are in touch with local authorities.’