Road accidents down 9%—South West police
South West Region Police Commissioner Richard Luhanga has commended officers in the region for working tirelessly to fight crime and reduce road accidents.
He said this on Thursday in Blantyre during the South West Region Police Christmas Ball.
Luhanga said in 2023, the region registered a 9 percent decrease in road accidents as 1057 accidents were recorded during the year while 1158 accidents were reported in 2022.
He also said in 2023 the region registered 102 fatalities from road accidents while 140 fatalities were recorded in 2022.
Said the Police Commissioner: “Our Traffic Police officers were all over, ensuring the safety of all road users. Our Traffic officers have done an outstanding job.
“Though people complained about the breathalysers, their numbers and the frequent traffic checks, to me as a Commissioner, this has proved that it works and we will keep doing it until we make sure that no life is lost on the roads of Malawi.”
However, Luhanga said the region registered a five percent increase in crimes from 5907 in 2022 to 6237 in 2023.
He attributed this to enhanced police footprint in the region following the launch of seven police establishments in 2023.
On his part, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Frank Kumukumu, who spoke on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, commended police officers for their resilience and dedication to duty.
He said despite Cyclone Freddy rendering their families destitute, the law enforcers worked hard to lessen the impact of the disaster.
