Inspector General (IG) of Police Lexten Kachama says his officers will fight violent crimes with force as provided in the laws of the country.
Speaking in an interview in Lilongwe yesterday, Kachama said the police has not adopted the shoot to kill policy but rather necessary force will be used in dangerous situations.
Said Kachama: “There is no directive to shoot to kill but those terrorising Malawians will not be dealt with kid gloves. For example, if a criminal with a gun is threatening the lives and property of Malawians we will use similar force but that should not be construed as shoot to kill.”
He said since he assumed office two months ago, violent crimes have decreased mainly due to police working closely with the public.
The IG, however, said the police will not rest on their laurels but continue working hard to ensure that criminals find Malawi a difficult place to operate in.
Said Kachama: “There is improved police visibility on our roads and the working relationship between us and the general public is also good. It is encouraging that despite challenges that are there, officers are delivering.”
Commenting on officers who are denting the image of the police by conniving with criminals, Kachama said the service is trying its best to root out bad apples within its rank and file.
He said: “In any institution, there are people who do not follow set procedures and the police has not been spared. But we are arresting any officer involved in criminal activities because nobody is above the law.”
