Newly appointed Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga has pledged to ‘streamline’ the number of roadblocks in the country to reduce the inconvenience caused to road users.
He made the remarks yesterday at the National Police Headquarters Area 30 in Lilongwe during his maiden management meeting attended by police commissioners and deputy commissioners.
National Police deputy spokesperson Superintendent Alfred Chimthere said in a statement yesterday that Luhanga, who until his promotion last week was Commissioner of Police in the Northern Region, also urged officers to embrace teamwork, performance and discipline.
He said: “Touching on operational reforms, the IG announced that the number of roadblocks across the country will be streamlined to enhance efficiency, reduce public inconvenience, and minimise allegations of corruption.
“On discipline and uniform, he reminded officers that adherence to the uniform policy is not a matter of choice, but a standard that reflects the image and integrity of the Malawi Police Service.”
The police chief also said since the September 16 General Election is over, officers the police should shift focus to the delivery of quality service.
Commenting on streamlining the number of roadblocks, security commentator Sheriff Kaisi agreed that the increased number of roadblocks inconveniences travellers, but reducing them cannot lower corruption allegations.
Last week, President Peter Mutharika appointed Luhanga as Police chief, replacing Merlyne Yolamu who was appointed in 2022 by former President Lazarus Chakwera.
