By Gerald Fanuel-Mana

Police in Mchinji have intercepted nine people including four children between the ages of two and 10, who were being trafficked to neighbouring Zambia to work in farms.

According to Mchinji Police Station Officer, Charles James Mpezeni, the victims were allegedly picked by Masautso Martin, aged 25, in Mangochi Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kalolo in Lilongwe district, and were intercepted at Maula Vllage in Mchinji, as they were about to enter Zambia using unchartered routes.

The development comes barely two weeks after police in the same district rescued 13 people including seven minors, who were being trafficked to Zambia to work in tobacco estates.

Mpezeni said they will ensure that they curb the malpractice in the boarder district.

“We are planting many adhoc roadblocks along all chartered and unchartered routes, planting more informants, and intensifying awareness to the community alongside key stakeholders such as Social Welfare Office, chiefs, business community and faith community.

“We are effecting arrests and prosecuting the offenders to make sure that the vice is curbed,” Mpezeni said.