National News

Police warns vandals: We will deal with you

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has warned that vandalism of its property and attacks on law enforcers will not derail the service from providing maximum security and safety to people and property.

Inspector General (IG) of Police Lexten Kachama has since appealed for an immediate stop to the spate of attacks on and vandalism of police property by members of the community over discontent and lack of trust in the way some officers are discharging their duties.

He made the remarks at Msalura Community Ground in Salima during a child rights’ sensitisation rally on Saturday

Kachama: Vandalism of public and police property is unacceptable

Kachama feared that the burning of police vehicles will further compound mobility challenges, making it difficult for the law enforcers to serve their communities when need arises.

He said: “Therefore, I wish to assure you that our officers will not hesitate to crackdown on people found contravening the country’s laws, including vandalism of police and public property. Vandalism of public and police property is unacceptable and as police, we will not take it lying down.”

Kachama cited the incident last weekend in Lilongwe’s Area 38 where the community burned a police vehicle as one of the unfortunate cases.

He said the communities were ill-advised to conclude that they are punishing the police by vandalising or burning police property.

“The truth is that you are simply shooting yourselves in the foot. For how do you expect us to serve you when we have no station or unit to operate from? Can we serve you when you’ve torched the vehicles we are supposed to use to respond to your calls?” asked Kachama.

On child rights, the IG cautioned parents against sending their children to trade in various merchandise at the market instead of sending them to school.

Kachama said if found, such parents will be arrested.

Regional Executive Committee on security chairperson Pastor Edson Jere called for collaboration between communities and the police in the provision and maintenance of security and safety.

Meanwhile, Kachama has commended the United Nations Children Fund (Unicef) for the financial support the organisation is providing to enable MPS provide maximum security and protection of child rights in the country. n

 

Related Articles

Back to top button