Gunmen Kidnap Crossroads Hotel Boss in Daring Lilongwe Heist (Watch CCTV video)
Published on February 7, 2026 at 4:03 AM by Evance Kapito
Police in Lilongwe have launched a massive manhunt following the brazen kidnapping of Crossroads Hotel Managing Director, Sameer Sacranie, by armed gunmen on Saturday morning.
The high-profile abduction, which played out like a scene from an action movie, was captured on the hotel’s Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV). The footage shows the moment gunmen ambushed Sacranie just as he arrived at his office.
Watch: CCTV footage showing the moment the gunmen forcibly took Sacranie as he arrived at the hotel.
Lilongwe Police spokesperson, Hastings Chigalu, confirmed that the kidnappers used a Toyota Fortuner to flee the scene with their victim. In a sophisticated move to evade detection, the vehicle was fitted with two different registration numbers: KA 1445 and KK 10085.
In a significant breakthrough, police announced they have recovered the getaway Toyota Fortuner, which was found abandoned in the Area 6 neighborhood.
Police police recovers the getaway Toyota Fortuner, abandoned in the Area 6 neighborhood.
“Our teams are on the ground and we have already recovered the vehicle used in the commission of this crime. We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of Mr. Sacranie and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Chigalu stated.
The motive behind the kidnapping remains unknown, and no ransom demands have been publicly reported yet. The incident has sent shockwaves through the business community in Lilongwe, raising urgent questions about urban security.
Police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the gang or the rescue of the victim
This is a breaking story. We will bring you more updates as the situation unfolds.
