Silence continues to surround the reported arrests of suspected human trafficking kingpins, Bangladeshi national Barher Sakar and an associate identified as Rizwan, leaving the nation with more questions than answers.
The two individuals are allegedly linked to senior government officials and are said to be part of a cartel facilitating the illegal entry of immigrants through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA).
Investigations by CABLES suggest that the operation may involve personnel from several security agencies stationed at the airport, including the Malawi Police Service, Malawi Defence Force (MDF), National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Department of Immigration.
According to findings, members of the alleged network have reportedly received substantial payments amounting to billions of kwacha over the past few months in exchange for allowing undocumented immigrants to enter the country without proper screening.
The individuals reportedly entering through this scheme are said to originate from countries such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Somalia.
Upon arrival at KIA, these individuals are allegedly cleared by Immigration officials and allowed to pass through with assistance from security personnel. They are then reportedly transported by taxi drivers believed to be working with the cartel.
Some are taken to Dzaleka Refugee Camp, while others are reportedly moved to undisclosed locations within the city linked to the operation’s organizers.
Further allegations indicate that former Deputy Inspector General Ackis Muwanga and former NIS Director Dokani Ngwira may have been aware of, and potentially benefited from, the operation.
Key Individuals reportedly linked to the alleged activities at Kamuzu International Airport are :
- Christopher Lakeni – Station Officer-in-Charge
- Getrude Chiumbudzo – Malawi Police Service
- Chisomo Kwalira – Malawi Police Service
- Benjamin Kanyenda – Malawi Police Service
- Lusekelo Itimu – National Intelligence Service
- Smith Mwale – Malawi Defence Force
- Immigration Officer-in-Charge at KIA
The report also points to the alleged involvement of Port Health officials at the airport, led by Steven Banda.
Following the arrest of Baher and Rizwan, Malawi police has not told the nation anything , there is silence and nobody knows what happened with them after the arrest. There are no records of them in prison or courts .
CABLES maintains its position on these findings and has called on relevant authorities to provide any evidence that disputes the claims presented.
About the Author
