Commissioner of Police for South East Police Region Chikondi Chingadza says Tropical Cyclone Freddy which hit hard the region affected their operations and she has undoubtedly said this has contributed to crime increase in the region.

According to the region's crime report, in 2022, they registered 5957 cases while in 2023, they have recorded 6884 cases representing a 16% increase.

 

The Commissioner spoke this on Friday evening during the Christmas Ball celebrations held at Hapuwani Village Lodge in Mulanje district.

 

"We are also worried with continued mob justices as some innocent people have been mistakenly and it is an offence to take the law in our hands," said Chingadza.   

 

She said the law enforcers officers worked tirelessly during the Cyclone Freddy disaster in saving lives of people and their property.

 

"We should not forget that the disaster did not spare us as some of our officers in Mulanje and Phalombe were also affected, of course we did not lose any officer or their spouses," said Commissioner Chingadza. 

 

She also said the region enjoys the partnership that has been there between the men in uniform and chiefs, the private sector, business persons and members of the general public.  

 

Director of Human Resources Management and Development at the Malawi Police headquarters Commissioner of Police Dennis Chipao said much as the region has registered crime increase, the region has performed tremendously well in arresting hard core criminals and prosecuting serious cases.

 

“Next year, that is 2024, we as the Malawi Police Service plan to upgrade some more police formations like from unit to post and post to station and establish more units. We also expect to procure more vehicles," said Commissioner Chipao.

 

Senior Chief Khwethemule of Thyolo expressed worry with continued attack of police formations whenever there are misunderstandings between some law enforcers and the public.

 

He said this shows that some people are enemies of development as security is part of the development equation.

 

Senior Police officers, chiefs and representatives of the business community and the private sector attended the Christmas Ball.