Malawi Police Service has stepped up measures to ensure security and road safety nationwide to curb crime and reduce road accidents during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.
National Police spokesperson Lael Chimtembo said in an interview yesterday that the measures include increased police visibility in urban centres, markets, residential areas and entertainment venues to deter opportunistic crime.
He said police have also deployed specialised units to monitor and disrupt organised criminal activities, particularly in crowded public spaces.
“We are committed to ensuring a peaceful festive season. Our strategy is anchored on three pillars: deterrence, community vigilance and rapid response,” said Chimtembo.
He added that police have strengthened collaboration with communities, recognising that law enforcement alone cannot be everywhere at once.
“We are working closely with community policing structures, community leaders, faith organisations and the business community to enhance security and improve reporting of suspicious activities,” said Chimtembo.
He also said that the 997 rapid response system has been reinforced with additional personnel and vehicles to ensure quicker reaction to emergencies.
“In districts where the 997 system is not yet fully operational, standard police lines remain active and emergency response is available,” said Chintembo.
Police have also urged the public to remain vigilant during the festive period by securing their homes and property and avoiding announcing travel plans on social media.
Chimtembo advised travellers to inform neighbours or community policing structures to watch over their property and warned against displaying large sums of money or valuable items in public
On road safety, he said traffic officers are conducting checks on vehicle roadworthiness, driver licences and compliance with traffic regulations.
“Motorists must avoid drink-driving and observe all road rules. Road safety is a shared responsibility,” he said.
For those visiting lakeshore areas, Chimtembo cautioned non-swimmers against entering deep waters and warned revellers against swimming while under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services has also appealed to road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules during the holiday season.
In a statement, the directorate said it will enforce speed limits, vehicle roadworthiness and licensing requirements, and impound unroadworthy vehicles, illegally operated passenger vehicles, unregistered vehicles and those operating without number plates.
The directorate stated that it will also conduct spot checks on driver licences, certificates of fitness, operator permits, insurance and drink-driving, alongside road safety awareness campaigns.
In a separate interview, Road Safety Alert Foundation spokesperson Thokozani Chenjezi urged road users to exercise restraint and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
He said parents should closely monitor children to prevent them from playing near busy roads.
“Drivers must avoid using open vehicles to carry passengers, reduce speed and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Chenjezi.
Police data show that 13 people died in road accidents during the 2024 Christmas period, up from eight in 2023. However, the number of accidents declined to 19 in 2024 from 24 in 2023, a 21 percent drop, while injuries fell from 34 to 24.
