Police in Salima have arrested 37 Ethiopian nationals, including one identified as Samaka Rajeev, in connection with a suspected human trafficking case.

The arrests were made in the early hours of Monday, May 18, 2026, during a police roadblock at Kanyenyeva along the Salima–Lilongwe Road.

Salima Police Public Relations Officer Sub-Inspector Rabecca Ndiwate said officers stopped four vehicles suspected of transporting undocumented immigrants. The vehicles include two Honda Freed cars, a Volkswagen, and a Toyota Vanguard, with registration numbers DA 12311, MHG 7458, CK 9773, and BZ 3409.

According to Ndiwate, the suspects failed to produce valid travel documents when questioned by police, leading to their arrest together with one driver identified as Chimwemwe George. Police also seized the four vehicles.

She added that three other drivers managed to flee the scene, abandoning their vehicles during the operation.

The arrested individuals have since been handed over to the Immigration Department for further investigation, while George is expected to appear in court on charges related to trafficking in persons.

Efforts by Yetu FM to obtain comment from Inua Advocacy Executive Director Innocent Magambi were unsuccessful, as he requested more time before responding to the arrests.