Lilongwe District Council Chairperson, Councillor Sekelani Kamsikiri, has warned communities under Senior Chief Kalumba in Zamkutu, Lilongwe, against vandalising public property, saying such acts undermine development efforts and compromise public safety.
Kamsikiri issued the warning on Wednesday during the re-opening of Chisiyo Police Unit, which was previously burned and vandalised in a violent incident after officers allegedly refused to hand over a suspect whom a mob believed had murdered another person. He said the destruction of the facility dealt a major blow to security operations in the area, leaving residents vulnerable to crime throughout its closure.
He urged communities to resolve disputes with law-enforcement officers through dialogue rather than violence.
“We cannot achieve meaningful development if we continue damaging the very facilities meant to serve and protect us,” said Kamsikiri.
At the same event, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sydon Mpina, expressed concern over the rising cases of mob justice and attacks on police units across the country. He said such actions weaken the security system and create fertile ground for criminal activity.
Mpina appealed to residents to follow proper complaint procedures whenever they have grievances against the police, warning that taking the law into their own hands only worsens the situation.
The renovation of the Chisiyo Police Unit was financed through a community-driven fundraising initiative in which local residents raised more than K10 million to rebuild the facility.
By Pempho Chipeni
#MBCDigital
#Manthu
