Inspector General of Malawi Police, Richard Luhanga, has challenged officers to restore and build trust with communities in order to effectively provide security solutions and combat incidents of mob justice.
Luhanga also urged the officers to implement effective strategies to address and curb the widespread occurrences of mob justice.
He was speaking in Lilongwe when he officially opened a two-day Community Policing Policy Dialogue Workshop for all Malawi Police Service (MPS) Regional and District Community Policing Coordinators.
Luhanga decried the concentration of officers in major stations and advocated for their redeployment to rural and underserved areas; and not to confined to the comfort of their offices, but instead, take an active role in reaching out and serving communities by providing security solutions.
The Inspector General further emphasized that officers should always maintain good relationships with the public so they can effectively carry out their duties of protecting property, lives, and upholding lawful behavior among citizens.
Luhanga encouraged police formations nationwide to consistently collaborate with local councils in utilizing Constituency Development Funds to establish police units, thereby enhancing the visibility of law enforcement in rural communities.
He further urged the Community Policing Coordinators to establish action plans that will strengthen and enhance security in all areas.
The Workshop has been supported by UNDP Malawi. UNDP Malawi Chief Technical Advisor for Rule of Law, Rowland Cole committed to providing more support to Malawi Police in order to make policing more responsive and human rights focused.
Cole said the aim is to transform the Malawi Police into a professional, trusted and accountable service that effectively serves and protects all communities.
Luhanga presented awards to the South West Police Region (Best Region award), Mzuzu Police Station (Best Police Station Award) and Assistant Superintendent Jane Nkangala (Innovation Awards) of Lumbadzi Police Station for their outstanding contributions to community policing.
