House confirms IG Dzonzi

 

Parliament on Wednesday confirmed Lot Dzonzi as new Inspector General (IG) of Police. However, he faces the monumental task of restoring the confidence and trust of Malawians in the service, especially on human rights.

 

 

Both sides of the House—opposition and government benches—showered praise on Dzonzi. They even waived the need to vote through secret ballot and instead did so through a simple majority to confirm him as the IG. The members gave Dzonzi a standing ovation.

 

Leader of the House Henry Phoya described Dzonzi as “a fine and distinguished” police officer whereas the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) called his appointment a “blessing” to the country in need of change.

 

“At this juncture, the police desperately need to earn the confidence and trust of Malawians. Gone are the days when the police were used to protecting the selfish interests of the few,” said Phoya.

 

Seconding the motion, Home Affairs Minister Uladi Mussa said the police no longer need to operate under policies such as “shoot to kill”, saying the service needs to rise above partisan interests and serve all Malawians.

 

MCP deputy chief whip Lingson Belekanyama said Dzonzi should use his human rights training and translate that into quality human rights protection by the police.

 

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) deputy chief whip Symon Vuwa Kaunda, who served as a Cabinet minister under the late president Bingu wa Mutharika, called the IG’s appointment as long overdue and hailed President Banda for using merit instead of an individual’s home of origin.

 

United Democratic Front (UDF) leader in Parliament Clement Chiwaya said Dzonzi’s ascension should signal a change in the service to avoid killing Malawians, and to improve relations between the police and the public.

 

Other MPs such as Nick Masebo (Chitipa North) called on the new IG to check the influx of foreigners while Vitus Dzoole Mwale (Lilongwe Msozi South) said Dzonzi should ask his traffic officers to be respectful..

 

Section 154 of the Constitution says: “The Inspector General of Police shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Assembly by a majority of the members present and voting, but the Public Appointments Committee may at any time inquire as to the competence of the person so appointed to carry out the duties of that office and as to such other questions as may have direct bearing on the performance of the duties of that office.”