EXCLUSIVE: K30 million reward to be shared among six who helped rescue abducted British national Osman

Six people who provided information that assisted police investigations into the abduction and rescue of British national Nusrat Osman are set to share a K30 million reward, Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga has said.

Luhanga said police identified Osman’s whereabouts two days after her abduction but could not establish her exact location at the time.

Speaking at a media briefing in Blantyre, he said the six people provided information that helped police in their investigations, adding that authorities would determine how the K30 million reward would be shared.

Osman, 47, was rescued on Thursday night from a compound in Mingale Village, Mpemba, Blantyre, six days after she was allegedly abducted from Mount Pleasant in Blantyre.

The rescue followed an exchange of gunfire between police and suspected kidnappers, leaving Deputy Inspector General of Police responsible for operations Noel Kayira injured and two suspected kidnappers dead.

Luhanga said eight suspects were involved in the abduction and police had launched a manhunt for the remaining six.

He said the motive for the abduction remained unclear and that Osman’s family had not received any ransom demand.

Luhanga also defended Kayira’s presence at the scene of the rescue operation, saying the deputy inspector general had gone there to encourage police officers.

“The Deputy Inspector General was initially on the ground to encourage our officers. It was his commitment and bravery that led to the successful operation,” he said.

Luhanga said community members also played a role in the successful rescue by providing information to the police.

He said the police would continue increasing their presence in cities to prevent crime.

Osman was taken to Mwaiwathu Private Hospital for medical checks following her rescue, while Kayira was admitted to the same hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds during the operation.

Police said Kayira underwent successful surgery and remains stable.