UN cautions on security
The United Nations (UN) Malawi office has put measures to ensure safety of its staff in the wake of increased armed robberies and carjacking in the country.
The UN, in an internal memo dated November 26 2013, which The Nation has seen, also warned its employees that the conflict in Mozambique, due to proximity and history, is cause for concern.
The memo, titled ‘Security Advisory-General Security Situation’, warns the UN staff members to see themselves as potential victims of armed robbery as indications are that the trend would continue for some time.
“The current crime rate could be attributed to a number of factors, including the increase in cost of living that usually sees a proportionate rise in crime.
“It is also customary for crime to increase during festive season due to the increased cash volume. Other contributory factors could be attributed to current food shortages and anticipated increase; food insecure households as well as the conflict in Mozambique,” reads the internal memo.
The body cautions its staff on reports of increased abductions, warning them to take extra precaution when they want to travel to Mozambique.
“We also have information that there are carjacking near border crossing points; the carjackers are wearing military style camouflage uniforms and are stopping vehicles on deserted stretches of road,” reads the memo.
The UN Malawi office cited five crime incidents that affected its staff between October and November 2013, including robberies and carjacking. It also cited recent non-UN related incidents.
National Police spokesperson Rhoda Manjolo said police were doing their best to ensure security.
“Police officers are trained, but we depend on the community to help us in our operations. Through intelligence collection, we have managed to recover stolen items and arrested criminals.
“Carjacking incidents sometimes occur because some drivers pick matola [unauthorised passengers). Those people look innocent, but after travelling for a short distance, they attack drivers. We are appealing to all drivers to refrain from this behaviour.
“As we are approaching this festive season people must not display their valuable items in the cars,” Manjolo said.
Road Transport Operators Association of Malawi acting executive director Chrissie Flao said the association alerted its members about the situation in Mozambique.
She, however, said there was no problem reported, so far.
The Mozambican government is in conflict with the country’s opposition Renamo fighters.
