Crime rate drops in Mangochi, says police

Mangochi Police have said crime rate in the district decreased between January and June this year compared to the same period last year, thanks to  efforts by the police and communities.

Mangochi Police Station assistant spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi said this year, they have recorded 1 042 cases of crime against 1 175 cases during the same period last year, representing a drop of 10 percent.

“We have done a commendable job for the past six months. For instance, 40 cases of housebreaking have been recorded compared to 63 last year,” she said, attributing the drop to awareness meetings and school outreach sessions.

Daudi said the community policing branch and other stakeholders such as Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Youthnet and Counselling and  district social welfare office have been in the forefront sensitising people to report suspects to relevant authorities.

She, however, said police have recorded more sexual offences and road accidents compared to the same period last year.

Daudi further commended members of the public for working with the police, saying this has helped them to minimise criminal activities.

“I want to ask people to continue tipping the police or report any deviant acts to relevant authorities because this is how we can win the battle against crime in the district,” she said.

Mangochi Community Policing coordinator Milton Moyo pledged to continue working with the community, saying this is the only way the district can be a crime free zone. n