Mutharika declares war on crime

President Peter Mutharika has said he has intelligence information about the existence of an underground gang terrorising the country in an attempt to destabilise his government.

Speaking yesterday at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre, Mutharika said his administration was aware of the security lapse, but was steadily addressing the matter.

He directed the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Paul Chibingu “to wage war against crime and ensure that every perpetrator is dealt with accordingly”.

But Mutharika advised the minister to operate within the realms of the laws so that innocent people are not persecuted.

“From now onwards, I am declaring war against crime. If they continue terrorising this country, I will deal with them. Let me warn them not to think I don’t know what is happening underground,” declared the visibly enraged Mutharika.

While not disclosing the names behind the vice, Mutharika said he was aware of an existing campaign aimed at destabilising his administration.

“There have been reports that since the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] took over government, crime has gone up. I will not disclose the names of the people behind this, but I know whatever is going on and once we arrest them, we will squeeze them,” added Mutharika during his first political rally in Blantyre since winning the May 20 Tripartite Elections

He said as a starting point, government had ordered 50 vehicles to equip the police to effectively patrol the cities and other areas.

“Next week, we are getting eight vehicles and by the end of the month we will have the 50 vehicles so that our police are fully equipped to conduct patrols,” he said.

Reports indicate that there has been a significant rise in crime, particularly in urban areas, since the DPP government came to power in May 2014.

Some robberies have even been taking place during day time, thereby creating fear and panic among Malawians.

But Chibingu told the nation police were on high alert following the attacks which have resulted in some businesspersons losing their lives.

In his first State of the Nation Address, Mutharika said his government would create a Citizens Police as one way of addressing challenges security institutions such as police face.

At the same rally, the President also disclosed he would compete during the 2019 presidential elections dispelling rumours that he would only serve one term.

“Far from the rumours that we are working on Plan B for the 2019 elections, let me tell you that I will be contesting. If some of you thought otherwise, sorry, wait for 2024; maybe that is when you can stand,” said Mutharika. n