OXFAM Oxfam in Malawi Country Director John Makina said this on the arrest of an Oxfam South Africa employee found in possession of precious stones at Kamuzu International Airport: “Oxfam International and Oxfam in Malawi would like to distance itself from the illegal possession of precious stones (reserved minerals) by Ms Lerato Muhadi Motaung, who was arrested by Police at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday, 12th April, 2017. Ms Motaung is a South African and an employee of Oxfam South Africa based in Johannesburg. She was here for a training on Participatory Action Research, organised by Oxfam and was expected to leave the country on 12th April, 2017 when KIA authorities arrested her for being foundin procession of the precious stones. Oxfam understands that the authorities valued the stones found in possession of Ms. Motaung at twenty-thousand kwacha. On Thursday, 13th April, 2017, Ms. Motaung appeared before the court in Lilongwe. She answered to two charges; being foundin possession of reserved minerals and attempting to export them contrary to Section 99 (1) (a) (i) and Section 119 (2) of Minerals and Mines Act respectively - to which she pleaded guilty. The court fined Ms Motaung fifty-thousand Kwacha and she paid the fine and the court has since set her free. Ms Motaung is expected to depart the country on Friday, 14th April, 2017. Ms. Motaung did this act in her own personal capacity. As an organization, Oxfam does not in any way condone any illegal or criminal acts. It is against this backdrop that following Ms Motaung's arrest, Oxfam let the law run its course, allowing authorities to do their work without any interference so that justice prevails.” For further details, please contact Oxfam in Malawi Country Director through jmakina@oxfam.org.uk or 00265 999 835 03