Chitipa woman arrested for suspected child trafficking to Tanzani
Published on March 2, 2026 at 8:47 AM by Evance Kapito
Police in Chitipa District have arrested a 36-year-old woman, Teleza Mbwele, for allegedly attempting to traffic two girls aged 14 and 17 to Tanzania under the pretext of securing them employment.
According to Sergeant Mathews Mfune, Assistant Public Relations Officer for Chitipa Police, the suspect was arrested on Saturday evening at Mbilima Border after officers from Ilomba Police Unit intercepted her. She was allegedly using uncharted routes to cross into Tanzania with the two girls.
Police say the matter came to light after the father of one of the victims discovered that his 14-year-old daughter was missing. He later learned that a 17-year-old girl from the same school had also disappeared, prompting the report to authorities.
Following the interception, officers rescued the two girls and safely handed them over to their respective parents.
Mbwele is expected to appear in court once investigations are completed.
Police have since urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child trafficking, warning that the offence is punishable by law.
