Chinese national in racist video scandal charged with human trafficking in Malawi
- Lu Ke, 26, allegedly filmed children singing insulting chants about themselves in Chinese, then selling the footage on social media
- In one video, a child aged about nine is heard saying ‘I am a monster with low IQ’
A Chinese national accused of racism and exploiting children in Malawi was charged with human trafficking in the capital Lilongwe on Monday, local media reported.
Lu Ke, 26, was arrested last month in neighbouring Zambia for illegal entry after fleeing Malawi when allegations of abuse surfaced.
He allegedly filmed children singing racist chants about themselves in Chinese – which they did not understand – and then selling the videos on Chinese social media.
Lu was extradited to Malawi and appeared in court on Monday where he was charged with five counts of trafficking in persons. State prosecutors say more charges are expected to be laid when investigations conclude in the next two weeks.
Senior Magistrate James Mankhwazi denied Lu bail, meaning he will be arraigned for the next 15 days while investigations are carried out.
Mankhwazi said prosecutors showed that the accused is a flight risk, has no definitive place of stay and could interfere with witnesses who are minors.