Police rescue woman allegedly trafficked to Tanzania

By Andrew Andrew……..

Police in Chitipa have rescued a 21-year-old woman who was allegedly trafficked to the United Republic of Tanzania after being lured with false promises of employment.

According to Chitipa Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Rabson Mkandawire, officers from Ilomba Border Police Unit rescued the woman on July 1, 2026, after she reported her ordeal at the border.

The victim, identified as Maggie Chiona of Mwenemalanda Village under Senior Chief Mwenewenya in Chitipa District, told police she was taken to Mbeya by a woman from the same village who promised her a job.

“Upon arrival, she was forced to work under harsh conditions. Unable to endure the exploitation, she was later abandoned at the Isongole Border, where she sought assistance from Tanzanian police officers,” said Mkandawire.

The rescue comes just months after reports of suspected human trafficking involving young people from Chitipa, including minors, who were allegedly taken to work in mines in Chunya, Tanzania, under dangerous conditions. Some victims are reported to have died after mine shafts collapsed, with their families unable to recover their bodies.

Mkandawire said the victim is receiving support while police continue investigations to trace and arrest the suspected trafficker.