Family of British Mother Kidnapped in Malawi Issues Plea

The family of Nusrat Osman, a 47-year-old British national, have made a public appeal for information following her abduction in Malawi. Osman was taken on Friday around 12:30 p.m. local time in Blantyre by four individuals traveling in a grey Nissan Dualis. Her family has not received any communication from her or her captors in the five days since the incident.

Osman, a mother of two, is from Leicester and was working in Malawi as an auditor, having relocated for her husband's employment. Her younger brother, Shobi Jiwa, described the kidnapping as a "traumatising" event, recounting how armed men forcibly removed her from her car. "My sister has been missing for five days with no trace or call," Jiwa stated, adding that the family has no idea about the motive behind her abduction.

Her husband told the local outlet Nyasa Times, "I don't know where she is or how she is. My wife is an auditor and I have no issues with anyone." Investigators are reportedly distributing text messages to the public in an effort to gather leads.

Authorities in Malawi have announced a reward of over £12,600 for credible information that could assist in Osman's safe return and lead to the prosecution of those responsible. Jiwa has pleaded for prayers, emphasizing that "No one knows anything. It's the only thing that can help us at this stage."

Friends and family describe Osman as a "humble soul and a beautiful person" who is involved in various charities and is known for her extroverted nature. Her brother pleaded with the kidnappers, "She's a mother of two. Please let her go."

Jiwa also noted that Osman's abduction is part of a pattern of similar incidents in Malawi, stating, "There have been four similar cases... This is the first time a woman has been abducted." A missing person appeal shared online highlighted Osman as a "loving wife and enormously proud mother" with a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life.

Atupele Muluzi, president of the United Democratic Front, condemned the kidnapping, calling it deeply disturbing and expressing concern over the increasing frequency of abductions in Malawi. He urged the Malawi Police Service to intensify its investigation and appealed to the public for any information, however seemingly insignificant.

Guidance from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns of occasional reports of kidnappings for ransom in Malawi, noting that British nationals and wealthy individuals may be at increased risk. An FCDO spokesperson confirmed awareness of the reports and stated that local authorities are being engaged.