Civic leaders and residents of Areas 25 and 49 in Lilongwe have called for urgent police intervention amid increasing violent crimes that have claimed several lives in the recent past.
The escalating security lapse has left communities fearful and livelihoods disrupted.
In an interview this week, Block leader for Sector 8 in Area 25 Fanuel Chibwe expressed grave concern about the deteriorating security situation, citing a sharp decline in night time business activity due to fear of attacks.
“People no longer operate past 9pm at Nsungwi Market as they used to. Some residents have been attacked and killed along Kabwabwa graveyard at around 8pm. Now, by 6pm, the market is deserted.” he said.
Chibwe detailed the toll on the community, noting that between March and July, two people were killed, and three hacked in Sector 8 alone.
He recounted a recent incident where someone was attacked and blinded with pepper spray, before removing the eyes and killing him.
Block leader for Muula Village in the same Area 25 Hermes Kapenuka echoed Chibwe’s sentiments, highlighting the proximity of the area to Kanengo Industrial Site, where many residents work on nightshifts.
“Thugs take advantage of the nightshift workers to attack them on their way to, or from work. Four people, including a Form 4 Dzenza Secondary School student, and a Sector 6 village head have been killed this year.
“The fear is pervasive because residents believe that after attacking people on the road, the criminals might target homes,” lamented Kapenuka.
He too, called for increased police resources, emphasising that delayed responses hinder efforts to apprehend suspects.
“Police respond late because they have to ask Kanengo Police to bring a vehicle. We need a vehicle at Nsungwi Police Unit for effective response, and night patrols,” he urged.
The pattern of security lapse extends beyond Area 25. Jonathan Nkatambo, an electrician from Area 49 Dubai, recalled his recent encounter with armed thugs on motorbikes.
“I was attacked by two men on a motorbike. One hacked me three times while the other attempted to snatch my bag and phone. The attack was quick.
“Luckily, some residents responded quickly to my call for help and they rushed me to ABC Clinic for treatment,” said Nkatambo.
He said when he went to report the incident at Mvama Police Unit, they told him that they had recorded at least 10 such incidents recently.
Block leader for Area 49 Dubai Ian Makutu said the area has for the past months experienced security lapse.
A 31-old-man was attacked and killed on his way from Ng’oma Market while a four-year-old girl was raped and killed around 6pm while returning from a nearby shop, where her mother had sent her to buy maize flour.
The plight of Area 49 Dubai community was exemplified by Chancy Namadzunda, a journalist who works with Atlas Malawi, who recounted a personal attack.
“I was hacked and robbed of my phone and some cash. I was rushed to a nearby clinic which referred me to Kamuzu Central Hospital for treatment. The attack left me traumatised,” recalled Namadzunda.
He noted that the attacks seemed to have begun around December last year.
“In the past, there were regular patrols by Mvama Police Unit, which was established through community contributions and led by local chiefs. That system worked well, with strong communication and rapid response via WhatsApp groups,” he explained.
Kanengo Police Station spokesperson Gresham Ngwira acknowledged the rise in attacks in some parts under their jurisdiction, notably Areas 25 and 49.
“For the exact figure, I need some time but not less than five have so far been attacked. We are yet to establish the main cause as investigations continue,” he said.
Ngwira said measures undertaken to curb the violence, include community engagement meetings, intensified police visibility and targeted operations.
As residents of Areas 25 and 49 grapple with fear and loss, calls for urgent action grow louder.
