Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito says Malawi will not surrender the safety of its citizens and the integrity of its institutions to organised criminal networks.
Mukhito said this in Lilongwe on Monday during the opening of a five-day multi-stakeholder consultative workshop on the development of Malawi’s National Strategy to prevent and combat transnational organised crime.
He said transnational organised crime continues to threaten economic development and the safety of people.
Therefore, the minister said there is a need for strengthened collaboration and coordination among institutions within the country and across the SADC region to deal with it and protect vulnerable people.
Mukhitho also commended the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCRO SADC) Secretariat and Interpol for supporting Malawi in advancing the agenda.
He said the organisation is critical in promoting security and advancing development on the bloc.
Inspector General of Police, Richard Luhanga, said the strategy will help in prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of transnational organised crimes.
Luhanga added that it will also strengthen institutional capacities, improve information and intelligence sharing and enhance border management.
Meanwhile, Regional Special Officer for Interpol Regional Bureau in Harare, Phiwayenkosi Nhlengetfwa, commended Malawi for becoming the 6th country to develop the strategy at the national level.
Nhlengetfwa also pledged support to help Malawi implement the strategy.
