Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security has called on Police Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu to ensure that the law enforcement agency she heads works professionally in handling cases of political violence.
Committee chairperson Salim Bagus made the call in Lilongwe on Wednesday during a meeting with the top cop to discuss increasing perceptions of police inaction on cases of political violence.
He said the committee does not want to hear again of thugs attacking people for holding demonstrations.
Said Bagus: “We rely on the Malawi Police Service to protect everyone. In that regard, we would like to request you madam to act professionally, as you have said that you are already doing, and try to bring back the image of the police to [regain] public trust.”
He also called on politicians to reform and exercise tolerance, responsibility and promote peace during the elections period.
In her response, the Police IG said the service was already investigating cases of violence and in some instances people have been arrested.
She attributed the police’s failure to pounce on thugs who have been attacking protesters and members of political parties to capacity challenges among deployed officers.
Said Yolamu: “When you are a police officer at particular vicinity, you have been empowered to police that vicinity. You don’t expect any command from anybody; you are a person on command.
“Our mandate as police gives you power that when something is happening in your vicinity, you have to carry out arrests where necessary. If he doesn’t arrest it means there is a weakness in that particular officer.”
She said having noted the capacity gaps; the police are now working on trainings for serving police officers.
Meanwhile, former Police IG Peter Mukhito, now a politician wearing the hat of main opposition Democratic Progressive Party secretary general, in an interview said the police’s failure to act on thugs that have been terrorising citizens is a sign of poor leadership.
He also blamed the situation on political interference which leaves police officers scared to act.
Said Mukhito: “The IG and the entire police need to act professionally. The IG and police should not to dance the tune of politicians, politicians come and go. So she needs to protect her integrity.”
In a separate interview, governance expert Moses Mkandawire warned that failure by police to act on cases of violence could lead to low voter turnout and loss of trust in the police.
In recent months, panga-wielding thugs have habitually disrupted peaceful demonstrations, especially in Lilongwe, by threatening protesters and sometimes attacking them in full view of police officers.
Some thugs also puncturedtyres of vehicles two female DPP parliamentarians within Parliament Building premises in Lilongwe. To date, no one has been held accountable for the cases.
