Mukhito hails ‘hero’ Kayira as police admit shootout death toll was wrong
Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito has hailed wounded Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira as a hero, declaring the dramatic operation to rescue kidnapped British national Nusrat Osman a stark warning to criminals across the country — as police were forced into an embarrassing climbdown over exactly how many suspects were killed in the shootout.
Mukhito praised Kayira’s bravery in the aftermath of Thursday’s dramatic rescue mission, insisting the operation sent a clear message that “government will not stand and watch criminal activity.”
But the tribute came just hours after Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga was forced to correct the force’s own account of the operation, revealing that only two suspected kidnappers were shot dead during the fierce exchange of gunfire at Mpemba, near Chadzunda — not four, as police had originally claimed in a statement issued the day before.
“Actually those killed are two and yet to be identified,” Luhanga admitted, in a stunning U-turn that raises fresh questions over the accuracy of the initial police account of the deadly operation.
Police had earlier said four suspects were shot during the exchange of fire with officers and later died in hospital — a claim that has now been quietly walked back as the force works to establish exactly what unfolded during the rescue.
Osman and the wounded Kayira remain admitted to Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre, with Luhanga confirming the deputy police chief was continuing to make progress in his recovery.
“He had a successful surgery and remains stable,” Luhanga said in a written statement, offering reassurance after Kayira was rushed into emergency treatment following the shooting.
His update came after First Vice-President Dr Jane Ansah visited Kayira at his hospital bedside earlier in the day, where she too confirmed he was on the road to recovery — as tributes continue to pour in for the officer’s role in bringing the traumatic kidnapping saga to a safe conclusion.
