Group village head Kapopo Mhlanga of Traditional Authority M’Mbelwa in Mzimba has expressed optimism that the construction of a K167 million police unit in the area will enhance security.
The facility, constructed under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (Gesd), was handed over on Thursday to the Malawi Police Service.
In an interview on Monday, the chief said community members were travelling about 13 kilometres to Jenda Police Station to access services.
He said: “For years, we have struggled with serious crimes of murder, theft and defilement. To report such cases, we had to travel to Jenda Police Station. It was a huge burden.
“Now, with police officers stationed nearby, we feel safer.”
Northern Region Police Deputy Commissioner Glinton Mitayi said the police unit was expected to enhance law enforcement and reduce crime in the area.
“The police will provide security and our officers will go after those who commit crimes,” he said.
Mitayi advised the community to form an oversight committee to handle misunderstandings that may arise between law enforcers and residents.
M’Mbelwa District Council chairperson Morgan Tembo bemoaned murder cases in the area.
He said: “As a council, we decided to construct this police unit to enhance security.
“I ask for a good working relationship between police officers and community members.”
Jenda Police Station officer-in-charge Greadwick Mangazi also appealed to community
members not to vandalise the facility.
“We promise to deploy officers as soon as possible to the formation,” he said.
The council also constructed a staff house at the police unit.
Gesd is a performance-based initiative that empowers councils to implement projects with funding from the World Bank through National Local Government Finance Committee.
