Police in Kasungu have intensified efforts to combat cross-border crime along the Malawi-Zambia border following a sensitisation meeting involving traditional leaders and businesspeople in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chisinga in the district.
Central East Region Police Deputy Commissioner Gladson Chipumphula presided over the meeting on Thursday at Chisinga Mpepa Headquarters, where he warned communities against engaging in illegal activities such as tobacco smuggling, drug trafficking and motorcycle theft.
He said the meeting was part of efforts to implement resolutions reached during the Malawi-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security policy discussions held in December 2025.
He said border communities in T/A Chisinga remain vulnerable to cross-border crimes because of their proximity to Zambia.
| Sangwani Ngulube
“Tobacco smuggling is harmful because it benefits neighbouring countries with foreign exchange that could otherwise strengthen Malawi’s economy. The malpractice also deprives the country of development opportunities,” said Chipumphula.
He also said authorities from Malawi and Zambia are planning joint engagements involving traditional leaders from both sides of the border to help find lasting solutions to the growing criminal activities.
T/A Chisinga commended the police for engaging local leaders and communities on security matters, but raised a number of concerns affecting residents in the area.
The chief also expressed concern over increasing cases of Malawians crossing into Zambia illegally in search of work, saying many return home empty-handed before being relocated to other areas with assistance from some local leaders.
He further appealed to government authorities to introduce circuit court sessions in the area to reduce the burden on residents who travel long distances to access justice services at Kasungu Boma.
On wildlife-related challenges, the chief said wild animals straying from Kasungu National Park continue to terrorise communities.
Chisinga Police Unit officer-in-charge Williams Kaponda together with other police officers, conducted awareness sessions on suicide prevention, human trafficking, drug and substance abuse and mob justice.
