Malawian National Arrested in Zambia for Human Trafficking and S3xual Abuse of Two Women

The Zambia Police Service has arrested a 25-year-old Malawian national, identified as Paul Phiri, in connection with a serious human trafficking and sexual abuse case involving two female Malawian victims, one of whom is five months pregnant.

According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, the case is being handled by Kanyama Police Station and stems from a report filed on May 14, 2025, at 15:00 hours by an 18-year-old Malawian female juvenile.

The teenager, who hails from Village Malembo in Lilongwe District, told police that she was trafficked into Zambia by Phiri on 18 August, 2024, under the pretense of being offered a job as a housemaid.

She said the suspect was known to her through his relatives in Malawi.

Upon arriving in Lusaka, the victim alleges Phiri confiscated her phone and subjected her to ongoing sexual abuse, leading to pregnancy. She was later denied food and evicted from the residence. She is currently five months pregnant.

During a police follow-up operation at the suspect’s home in John Laing Compound, officers discovered a second female victim, aged 25, also a Malawian national from Village Shamama, Kasungu District. She stated she was lured into Zambia via Facebook, where the suspect had promised to marry her.

The suspect, Paul Phiri, is now in police custody, and a docket has been opened for human trafficking. The case is being pursued under Zambian anti-trafficking laws.

Police have since taken steps to ensure the victims are receiving proper care and protection and are arranging to relocate them to a safe home in line with established victim protection protocols.

In its statement, the Zambia Police Service reaffirmed its zero tolerance toward human trafficking and exploitation. Citizens are being urged to be vigilant and avoid falling for false employment or marriage promises, particularly those made online or across borders.

Source;Zambia Today