Family of British mother kidnapped by gunmen in Malawi say they have no idea why she was taken and have heard nothing in five days

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 03:24 EDT, 16 September 2026 | Updated: 03:56 EDT, 16 September 2026 The family of a British woman abducted in Malawi have issued a public plea, saying they have heard nothing from her in five days and do not know why she was taken.Nusrat Osman, 47, was seized at around 12.30pm local time on Friday in the city of Blantyre by four men in a grey Nissan Dualis.Osman, a mother of two young children, is from Leicester and was working in Malawi as an auditor, having moved there for her husband's job. Speaking to The Sun, her younger brother Shobi Jiwa described the 'traumatising' moment of the kidnapping, saying four armed men dragged Osman out of her car and took her away.'My sister has been missing for five days with no trace or call,' he said.Asked if he had any idea about the motive, he said: 'There is nothing we can think of.'Local outlet Nyasa Times spoke to her husband, who said: 'I don't know where she is or how she is. My wife is an auditor and I have no issues with anyone.'Investigators are now inundating members of the public with text messages as they scramble for leads, according to the outlet. Osman, a mother of two young children, is from Leicester and was working in Malawi as an auditorAuthorities have offered a reward of more than £12,600 for 'credible information' that could help secure the mother-of-two's safe rescue and lead to the prosecution of those responsible. Jiwa has now issued a public plea, asking for prayers. He added: 'No one knows anything. It's the only thing that can help us at this stage.'He described Osman as a 'humble soul and a beautiful person.''She's involved in various charities, a jolly person, an extrovert… we don't understand why she was taken'.Addressing the kidnappers, he begged: 'She's a mother of two. Please let her go.'Jiwa added that his sister's abduction is the latest in a string of similar incidents in the African country. 'There have been four similar cases' he said, 'This is the first time a woman has been abducted.'A missing person appeal shared online described the mum-of-two as a 'loving wife and enormously proud mother.'The post added: 'One of Nusrat's greatest gifts is her ability to connect with people. She has friends from every walk of life.'Osman's friend posted on Facebook: ‘Nusrat is one of the kindest, warmest and most loving people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She is a devoted mother and a loving wife, and her family and friends miss her more than words can express.'United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi condemned the kidnapping, describing the incident as deeply disturbing.Writing on his official Facebook page, the politician said that abductions were becoming increasingly frequent in Malawi, a development he described as a grave concern for every resident.He added: ‘I urge the Malawi Police Service to intensify investigations and do everything within its power to secure Nusrat’s safe return and bring those responsible to justice.‘I appeal to anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the family or report immediately to the nearest police station.’The UK travel advice warns that there are occasional reports of kidnappings for ransom in Malawi, adding that ‘in some instances, the kidnapped individuals have been British nationals, so kidnappers may also target foreigners.’ Wealthy individuals are likely to be at increased risk of this activity, it warns.An FCDO spokesperson said: 'We are aware of reports that a British national has been abducted in Malawi and are in touch with local authorities.'