Body advises police to observe human rights
African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (Apcof) has urged police officers in the Eastern Region to observe and respect human rights when restoring order in places where people have assembled.
Apcof representative Sean Tait said this on Wednesday at the Malawi Police Service (MPS) College Officers’ Mess in Zomba during a two-day public order training for Eastern Region police officers.
He said police should appreciate that people have a right to liberty which allows them to assemble.
“Therefore, the police should have negotiation and dialogue skills and be prepared to take risks at the assemblies without infringing on people’s human rights,” he said.
MPS deputy commissioner for the East responsible for training Josiah Kanthiti said the training will enable police officers to control assemblies without any influences.
“We are optimistic that the officers undergoing this training will ensure that people hold their processions, meetings and other assemblies with dignity,” he said.
One of the participants, Sam Nkhwazi who is commander for E Division, said police are geared to discharge their duties with efficiency.
The training is also scheduled to take place in the Southern, Central and Northern regional offices.
