UNODC Joins Forces in Rescuing Victims of Human Trafficking in Mwanza District, Malawi
Room used for locking women victims of sex trafficking uncovered during the operations in Mwanza District
Mwanza District, Malawi, January 2024
“This was the saddest operation since I started working as a police officer, I have been hearing stories of human trafficking and never thought that I would actually witness the same in my own area. Besides being forced to sleep with a number of men per day, the women were given one meal per day, subjected to restricted movement, as the premises were secured with a gate for which only the owner held the keys”. Inspector Frank Butao.
Recognizing the mandate of the District Coordinating Committee against trafficking, UNODC responded to the Ministry of Homeland Security of Malawi to support implementation of intelligence-driven operations through mentoring and operational case support and provide case assistance to individual cases of TIP through providing mentoring to law enforcement and prosecuting agencies.
During the month of January 2023, UNODC therefore engaged with the Mwanza District TIP Enforcement Officers’ team, which includes the Police, Immigration, Prison, Labour, Social Welfare, Trade and the National Intelligence Bureau, conducted a two-day operation (January 23rd and 24th, 2024).
The operation’s primary objective was to detect traffickers’ movement, rescuing victims of Human Trafficking, investigation and prosecution of cases recorded during the operation and seizure of property used in the commission of the offence, with the view to dismantle trafficking networks operating in the district, identify emerging trends and derive best practices in the management of TIP cases.
By addressing these areas, among others, it is anticipated that Mwanza can effectively combat Trafficking in Persons and create a safer environment for all.
The operation focused on three key areas which included.
• Searches- Officers investigated potential trafficking hotspots, including rest houses, lodges, and suspected brothels.
• Roadblocks- Ad-hoc checkpoints were established to intercept potential victims and traffickers crossing district borders.
• Raids- Raiding known potential victim holding centres.
The operation yielded remarkable results in all sectors. About 54 suspected victims of trafficking were intercepted at rest houses, lodges, and bars, or intercepted during stop and search at ad-hoc roadblocks. These were taken to Mwanza Police for comprehensive screening to assess their various circumstances for determination of their qualification as TIP Victims or as traffickers. About 9 suspects for various offenses, such as human trafficking, illegal possession of charcoal, illegal possession of foreign currency, among others, were arrested during the operation.
Examples of arrest cases:
- One foreign national was arrested at Tikondane Lodge where he had lodged for over 3 weeks and hence had overstayed in Malawi. He had no proof of sources of funds to support his staying at the lodge. He was handed over to the Immigration department for further action.
- Another suspect, a truck driver, was found in a room with three young men who he said had paid him in order to be transported to Tete in Mozambique. He was also found in possession of about 4000 Rands without supporting documents. When his company was contacted, it was indicated that the money was for the company and was meant for toll fee.
- One suspect was intercepted while carrying Malawians, heading to Mozambique to join a bus which was driving from Dedza back to South Africa. The bus had come to Malawi to drop Malawian deportees, hence was supposed to return empty. When interviewed, the suspect indicated that they were expected to join the bus at Dedza, however, they were sent back hope through the social welfare office.
- Another bus driver was stopped for carrying a passenger who did not appear on his passenger manifest. When asked he revealed that it was the result of an initiative by the driver and other bus crew trying to beat the company’s system so as to gain extra money for themselves.
- One man was found transporting a young woman heading to Mozambique to join a bus heading to South Africa. When the mother of the young woman were contacted, she indicated that they personally know the transport, who is their neighbour in Liwonde and had relations waiting to receive the girl in South Africa.
- Another suspect was arrested for a case of found in possession of foreign currency without supporting documents. The case was handed over to Fiscal and Fraud Section for further investigation of the case.
- One suspect was arrested for a case of illegal possession of forestry products (Charcoal). The case is pending for court and suspect is on police bail.
“The Officer did an excellent job by conducting patrols in night clubs, lodges, tea estates and unchartered routes. We have learned quite a lot from both theory and practice. Our area coordinating committee against trafficking in persons should plan more activities focusing on practical case handling and management to enhance skills and knowledge and continue with engagement of mentors from UNODC. Helping investigators and prosecutors secure witnesses to prove exploitation has been one of the biggest challenges.” Paul Mang’ang’a, Civil Society Representative.
