Police in Mwanza have arrested 40-year-old Jasiya Meleka on suspicion of human trafficking.

According to Mwanza police publicist Edwin Kaunda, Meleka was intercepted at a roadblock on Thursday with eight Malawians believed to be enroute to South Africa.

“We intercepted the suspect on Thursday at our roadblock with some eight Malawians who we believe were being trafficked to South Africa,” said Kaunda.

Meleka has since been charged with trafficking in persons.

The police are continuing to investigate the case and are urging anyone with information about human trafficking in the area to come forward.

Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of human rights.

The international community has been working to combat the problem, but it remains a pervasive issue in many parts of the world.