Malawi Police Service says it has stepped up measures to improve security and ensure the safety of citizens during the Christmas and New Year festive season.
National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said in a statement that police believe the comprehensive strategy will reduce crime, road traffic accidents and injuries resulting from natural disasters during the busy holiday period.
He said the police have rolled out a three-tier security plan across the country, focusing on increasing police presence in both urban and rural areas, with a particular emphasis on crime-prone locations.
Reads part of the statement: “The service has also deployed more traffic police officers on all public roads who are managing traffic flow and enforcing the Road Traffic Act.
“The service further cautions motorists against drink and driving.”
Police have also issued safety warnings about the risks of flooding and drowning during the season’s heavy rains, urging caution when swimming or crossing rivers.
In addition to these efforts, the police have also encouraged the public to remain vigilant, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities in their communities.
Peace and security expert Master Dixie Mfune commended the police for their proactive measures, stressing the importance of taking heed of such warnings.
“While the police’s messages are crucial, it’s up to us, the citizens, to act upon them,” he said.
In recent years, police in collaboration with the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services have been conducting special operations during festive seasons in a bid to reduce road accidents.
The special operations have been credited with a reduction in road accidents to 31 that killed nine people during the 2023/24 festive period against 56 road accidents that killed 20 people during the 2022/23 festive season.
In its 2023 annual report released in March this year, police indicated that 1 001 people died in 4 977 road accidents recorded last year, representing about 6.2 percent decrease from 1 068 fatalities in 2022.
The report showed that pedestrians were the most affected as 450 of them were killed followed by passengers who accounted for 254 and 119 pedal cyclists.
On the other hand, 95 motorcyclists also died last year along with 82 motor vehicle drivers and an oxcart rider.
