Four Arrested Over Attempted Kidnapping of LUANAR Student

Kanengo Police in Lilongwe have arrested four men suspected of attempting to kidnap a female student from the LUANAR NRC campus, in a case also involving alleged intimidation and attempted extortion.

The suspects have been identified as Faraz Suleman (47), Suleman Seleman (37), Rahim Mwachumu (40), and Royd Nanthengwa (49). They were arrested on May 2, 2026, at Shoprite in Area 49 following a report made by the student.

According to Sub Inspector Macfarlen Mseteka, Public Relations Officer for Kanengo Police Station, preliminary investigations reveal that the student’s mother, who is based in Canada, previously borrowed USD 4,000 from a man identified as Eric Makanjira while they were both abroad.

Police say the woman later declined to repay the money, claiming she had already settled bills of an equivalent amount on his behalf.

It is alleged that Makanjira responded by issuing repeated threats, warning that he would arrange for the kidnapping of the woman’s daughter if the money was not paid. He is also reported to have contacted the student directly, pressuring her to convince her mother to settle the debt and allegedly threatening to send individuals to abduct her.

On May 2, the student received a phone call from an unknown number requesting that she meet at Shoprite in Area 49. Suspecting foul play, she reported the matter to police.

Detectives subsequently mounted an operation at the location, leading to the arrest of the four suspects as they allegedly attempted to force the student into a Toyota Surf, registration number BQ6408.

The suspects are expected to be charged with attempted kidnapping, intimidation, and attempted extortion. They will appear in court once all necessary documentation is completed.

Meanwhile, police say efforts are underway to trace Makanjira, who is believed to have orchestrated the alleged plot.