Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-04-04 06:32:53
The Ministry of Homeland Security agents, which includes the Malawi Police Service and Department of Immigration officials, have uncovered a human trafficking cartel operating at Dzaleka Refugee Camp. The operation resulted in the arrest of Ahmed Muhamed Kondo, an Ethiopian national, and his wife Deborah, who were both involved in the human trafficking business.
Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma confirmed the arrest of the couple and stated that their compound at Dzaleka was raided, revealing numerous individuals confined in small rooms with metal doors and razor wire on the roof. A total of 31 people were found in these conditions, and both Ahmed and Deborah were taken into custody. Ahmed was found to be illegally staying in the country without valid papers, while Deborah, who had refugee status, was also implicated in the trafficking activities.
Following their arrest, deportation procedures for the couple were initiated, with their country of origin informed and awaiting their return. The rescued victims, including Ethiopian nationals and others, are currently being held by law enforcement agencies while arrangements are made to repatriate them to their respective countries.
Zikhale Ng’oma revealed that efforts are underway to track down other individuals involved in the trafficking ring, as there are likely numerous participants operating within the camp. He stressed that illegal immigrants cannot be allowed to enter the country, build makeshift prisons, and force individuals into confinement without authorization.
Reports indicate that traffickers deceive their victims with promises of a better life in Malawi and an easy path to Europe, America, or South Africa. However, upon arrival, victims realize they have been trafficked and are held captive in conditions similar to maximum security prisons until they or their families pay large sums of money as ransom. Some victims are coerced into contacting relatives for payment, while others are extorted for release but continue to be exploited for further illicit activities.
Dzaleka Refugee Camp has emerged as a major hub for human trafficking, with foreign nationals falling victim to these criminal operations. Concerns have been raised that if immediate action is not taken, Malawians could also become targets for trafficking or ransom kidnappings. Authorities are urged to dismantle the longstanding cartel operating within the camp to safeguard the welfare of all individuals in the area.
Caleb Thole, the national coordinator of the Malawi Network Against Trafficking, emphasized the need to prosecute the perpetrators within Malawi for their crimes. He argued that individuals who commit offenses within the country should face justice locally, rather than being sent back to their home countries for punishment. Thole highlighted the importance of holding traffickers accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served within Malawi’s borders.
Read the original article on The Times
