Africa-Press – Malawi. A 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report for Malawi by the US Department of State rates Malawi badly on human trafficking.
It says while “significant strides” are being made, the Government of Malawi does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.
According to the report, corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remain significant concerns.”
Gift TrapenceOn Friday, the Lilongwe Resident Magistrate Court handled one case of corruption and official complicity in aiding and abetting human trafficking.
In the case, ten police officers from Kasungu— ranging from constable to senior superintendent— were the culprits.
The court convicted and sentenced them to three years imprisonment with hard labour for their role in a corruption scandal involving illegal immigrants.
Principal Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe delivered the sentence on Friday in a fully packed courtroom.
According to the details, the officers reportedly shared K155,000 in bribes to aid and escort 18 illegal immigrants in 2021.
The 10 officers— Michael Mphande, Noel Mwendelire, Vitas Chaima, Chimwemwe Kalirani, Handra Manda, Mary Buleza, Elias Andrew, Andrew Macheka, Chimwemwe Kumwenda, and Phillip Mangulenje—were convicted on multiple counts, including aiding illegal entry, official corruption and abuse of office.
According to Criminal Case No. 229 of 2021, the officers, all stationed at Kasungu Police Station, conspired with one Kenson Mwafongo, a civilian from Karonga District, to allow his vehicle—carrying 18 illegal immigrants— a safe passage through some police roadblocks.
Court documents indicate that on April 2, 2021, Mwafongo paid K110,000 to five officers manning the Chisazima Police Roadblock in Kasungu through Airtel Money.
He then paid an additional K45,000 to another team near Chilanga Turn-Off also in Kasungu District.
This team, the court heard, even used a police vehicle to escort the illegal immigrants’ vehicle to wherever it was going.
In his sentencing, Magistrate Michongwe condemned the conduct of the officers as a “gross betrayal of public trust”.
He warned that corruption within security institutions “poses a serious threat to national integrity.”
“The Malawi Police Service is meant to be the first line of defence against such crimes, not active participants. This sentence should serve as a warning,” he said.
MANGANI—This was a well orchestrated operationThe prosecution, led by Deputy Police Prosecutor Levison Mangani, called the case a “well-orchestrated operation” that exploited law enforcement resources for criminal gain.
All 10 officers were found guilty for aiding illegal entry under Section 36(1) (a) of the Immigration Act.
Five officers were found guilty of official corruption for accepting K110,000 to allow Mwafongo’s vehicle to pass at a roadblock.
Another five accepted K45,000 to provide police escort using an official vehicle.
Mwafongo, the civilian involved, was also convicted for corruptly offering bribes, contrary to Section 90(b) of the Penal Code.
All convicted police officers have since been relieved of their duties pending administrative review by Malawi Police Service.
In response to the convictions, chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition Gift Trapence has asked the National Police Headquarters to do an internal probe into how deeply rooted such practices might be within the service.
“This case reflects a wider institutional problem,” he said, while calling for reforms.
He said as Malawi continues to face increasing incidences of human trafficking and cross-border crimes, the convictions signal a stern stance from the judiciary.
At the same time, he said, it also exposes worrying gaps in law enforcement integrity.
According to the US Department of State report, credible reports of official complicity continue to impede the government’s efforts to carry out anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts and proactively identify trafficking victims.
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