A British woman taken from her home by a gang in Malawi has been rescued following a deadly shootout.
Nusrat Osman, 47, was snatched from her home in the southern city of Blantyre a week ago when masked men forced their way in.
She was traced to the outskirts of the city, and a rescue operation was launched yesterday after a days-long search that saw a reward of £12,800 being offered for any credible information.
The suspected kidnappers were armed with an AK-47 and a pistol, according to the police.
Officers exchanged fire with those inside the building, killing four men who are yet to be identified.
Osman was reunited with her family, and taken to hospital for treatment and mental and physical check-ups after the ordeal.
Malawi Police Service said in a statement: ‘The criminals got shot and were rushed to the hospital where they succumbed to the injuries.’
The 47-year-old, who works as an auditor, had moved to the southern African country with her family from Leicester after her husband set up a business there.
Authorities have not publicly revealed how they found out where the woman was kept.
The motive for the abduction has also not been publicly shared at this stage.
Atupele Muluzi, a Malawi politician, said in a statement: ‘It is with great relief and gratitude that I share the news that Mrs. Nusrat Jiwa Osman, who was reported missing, has been found.
‘It is understood that the rescue operation was extremely dangerous
‘The family has expressed profound appreciation for the professionalism, dedication, and incredible bravery of the Malawi Police Service throughout this ordeal, particularly Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr. Noel Kayira.’
Muluzi, the President of the United Democratic Front, has said that kidnappings and abductions are becoming more common in Malawi, where the incidents were previously ‘largely unheard of.’
Her husband told local media in the aftermath of the kidnapping he doesn’t know where she is or how she is.’
‘‘My wife is an auditor and I have no issues with anyone,’ he told Nyasa Times.
Metro has approached the UK Foreign Office for a comment.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
MORE: Man admits trying to rape woman on Tube carriage in ‘horrific’ late-night attack
MORE: Man, 29, jailed for raping two 14-year-old girls after getting them drunk
MORE: Strangling video among million files as five women feared dead and two missing in ‘house of horrors’