National Director of Community Policing and Rural Police Units for the Malawi Police Service, Alexander Ngwala, has called on newly elected block leaders in Lilongwe to collaborate with the police to prevent crime and mob justice cases. Ngwala made the remarks during an interface with over 100 block leaders at Kawale Police Station. He emphasized the need for community policing structures to curb criminal activities through joint patrols with police officers.
Ngwala stressed the importance of mainstreaming community policing within the block leadership to revitalize community policing structures. He encouraged block leaders to work together with the police to address criminal activities in the city. Ngwala also expressed concern over the tendency of attacking police units whenever community members have issues with some police officers, saying dialogue is the only solution.
The Malawi Police Service has urged block leaders to inform residents to desist from attacking police officers and police units whenever there are misunderstandings. Ngwala added that block leaders should discourage issues of mob justice in their communities. This call comes amid concerns over rising cases of mob justice in the country. The police are working to address the issue through community policing initiatives.
Central West Region executive committee chairperson, Alex Chapondera, has urged block leaders to coordinate efforts with gazetted traditional chiefs to ensure the smooth running of community policing structures. Chapondera noted that some traditional leaders perceive block leaders as enemies to safety and security efforts. He pleaded with block leaders to work in harmony with traditional leaders for the sake of law and order in the city.
Block leader Brian Mtambo of Block C Mchesi commended the police for the timely message. Mtambo noted that Mchesi lacks vibrant community policing structures and that the meeting would lead to the establishment of one for community safety and security. The block leaders have pledged to work with the police to address security concerns in their areas.
The meeting was attended by various officials, including Kawale Police Station officer in charge, Marko Mvukuta, and regional community policing coordinator, Cagetan Singano. The Malawi Police Service is working to strengthen community policing structures across the country. The initiative aims to promote collaboration between the police and local communities to address security challenges.
The Malawi Police Service's community policing initiative seeks to engage local communities in crime prevention and promote peaceful resolution of disputes. The initiative has been rolled out in various parts of the country, with the aim of reducing crime and promoting public safety. Key stakeholders are working together to ensure the success of the initiative.
Key points
- - The Malawi Police Service has urged block leaders to work with the police to prevent crime and mob justice cases. - Block leaders have been encouraged to coordinate efforts with gazetted traditional chiefs to ensure the smooth running of community policing structures. - The community policing initiative aims to promote collaboration between the police and local communities to address security challenges.
