In court, Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer, inspector Amos Mwase, said the human trafficking survivors are between 11 and 16 years and the youngest is a stepson to Kassim.

Mwase said the son stays at Mangamba in Machinga district with his grandparents as  Kassim moved to Mozambique with his wife.

"Last week Kassim travelled from Mozambique in search of farm workers to work in that country and he enticed his stepson and  two others that they will be paid handsomely in Mozambique," explained Mwase.

 Prosecutor Mwase added: "On October 25, 2022, they started their journey through Chiponde, but some members of the community tipped the police about the incident who rushed and found them within the area waiting for nightfall in order to cross the border through uncharted routes."

He said upon being quizzed, the three narrated the ordeal to the police which led to the arrest of the duo.

Both pleaded guilty in court and asked for leniency citing, they have family obligations.

In his submission prosecutor Mwase reminded the court that cases of trafficking are rampant especially along the borders of Malawi and traffickers manipulate victims into dubious deals which pose a threat to the younger ones hence prayed for a stiffer sentence.

Passing sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state and sentenced Kassim to 7years and Sabiti to 3 years imprisonment with hard labour as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.

Kassim hails from M'bwana Village Traditional Authority Kapoloma in Machinga while Sabiti comes from Ngauma District in Mozambique.