Expert cautions police on Covid-19 rules enforcement

Governance expert Undule Mwakasungula has cautioned police on the enforcement of Covid-19 rules and regulations saying they must ensure human rights are safeguarded.

In a statement, he said Covid-19 should not be an excuse to victimise Malawians in the enforcement of preventive measures.

Said Mwakasungula: “As a country we have come far in terms of promotion of human rights, therefore, Covid-19 should not take us backwards in the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

His sentiments come in the wake of reports that police, especially in Lilongwe, were using force on people who were not wearing face masks in previous weeks.

But in his statement, Mwakasungula said in the midst of Covid-19, police must be in the forefront of safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of Malawians.

He said police must remember that as they are doing their work, Malawians still have all their rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

In an interview, National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said they will conduct their work without infringing on rights of the citizenry.

While urging Malawians to adhere to the Covid-19 rules and regulations that, among others, point out wearing face masks in public, he said they will work to ensure that there is professionalism on their part.

Mwakasungula, in the statement, also said there is need for concerted efforts in fighting the pandemic, emphasising that faith leader and political leaders, among others, must be key in sensitising the masses on issues of prevention.

Recently, the country has been witnessing an upsurge in Covid-19 cases in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic.

Recoveries, too, have in the past weeks been on the rise in the country.