Murder cases rise in 2023—police commissioner
Central West Regional Police Headquarters Commissioner Emmanuel Soko has decried the moral decay in the country which he said has led to an increase in murder cases in 2023.
He expressed the sentiments during a senior officers end of year party held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe on Wednesday evening.
Said Soko: “It is sad and disturbing to note that murder cases were on the rise in the year.
“A total of 294 homicide cases were registered over the 11 months of 2023 compared to 260 homicide cases recorded over the same period in 2022, translating to 13 percent increase.”
He highlighted two murder cases in Lilongwe in September where victims had their bodies dumped in their respective vehicles.
The commissioner said the police are working hard to secure conviction in these two cases.
“The increase in murder cases is a sign how our moral values have decayed. Such kind of moral decay in our society must be condemned in totality. As police, we will make sure that life of every person is protected in all totality,” he said.
In his address, Soko also highlighted some success stories such as the relocation of 503 refugees to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District in May.
“There was also a decrease in crime in the year from 12 675 cases reported in 2022 to 12 411 cases registered in 2023 a difference of 264 cases translating to 2 percent decrease,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Inspector General of Police Merylne Yotamu, Deputy Commissioner of Police Levison Mangani said despite the increase in murder cases, house break-ins and robberies, the Central West Region Police remained resolute in pursuing criminals.
