Police in Mangochi are keeping in custody James Staubi, 32, for allegedly trafficking two people to Mozambique to make them work in tobacco estates which is contrary to Section 14 (1) of the trafficking in persons Act.

The two who are a couple are Gift Katunga, 23, from Njinga Village in Traditional Authority Chikweu in Machinga and his wife Milika Custom, 23, from Somba Village in Traditional Authority Jalasi in Mangochi.

Sub-Inspector Blessings Madikhula of Namwera Police Station said on January 28, this year the complainants reported to Chiponde Police Station after escaping from tobacco estates in Mozambique where they had been working.

“The victims told the police that Staubi took them to Mozambique to work in tobacco estates where they were being ill-treated,” he said.

Staubi is expected to appear before Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court to answer charges of human trafficking.

Staubi comes from Iputi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Jalasi in the district.