Crime rate down in Eastern Region

Commissioner of Police for Eastern Region Effie Kaitano says the battle against crime and road accidents in the country can be won if communities continue working in unison with the police.

She made the sentiments on Tuesday in Zomba during a comparative crime and road traffic accidents meeting in the Eastern Region which attracted chiefs, community policing members, the media and other stakeholders.

Kaitano said crime rate in the region has gone down to four percent compared to the same period last year when it was 6.3 percent.

She also said road traffic accidents have gone down to 3.8 percent compared to the 6.8 percent last year and had zero cases of abductions.

“We attribute this to communities who tip off the police on criminals that terrorise the region. We appeal for the continued coordination until peace prevails in our region,” she said.

Region executive committee (REC) deputy chairperson responsible for community policing Dan Phiri said shortage of resources like reflectors, whistles, bicycles and vehicles for patrols is one of the factors paralysing their efforts.

Senior Chief Kawinga of Machinga called for continued cooperation between the police and the public. n