By Dean Chisambo
Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito has assured Malawians that the government remains committed to maintaining peace and security across the country.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday in Parliament while responding to questions from Members of Parliament who sought an update on the country’s current security situation.
Mukhito also pledged that the government would consider upgrading eligible police posts to full police stations based on established criteria.
He further said the government would ensure that police posts and stations across the country are adequately staffed with police officers to improve security service delivery.
The minister noted that Malawi’s overall security situation remains stable, although there has been an increase in some criminal cases involving individuals who were released under a presidential amnesty as well as those who had completed their prison sentences.
Mukhito acknowledged that the reoffending of some former inmates is a matter of concern for both the government and the public.
«”It is a concern for both the government and the people to see that quite a number of prisoners who are released from prison end up returning. This is an issue that definitely needs to be addressed,” he said.»
He attributed the problem partly to the stigma faced by former inmates, saying many communities are unwilling to accept them after their release.
Mukhito explained that the government is equipping inmates with vocational and life skills while they are serving their sentences. However, he said more needs to be done by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to earn a living after leaving prison.
He therefore appealed to communities, faith leaders, and religious institutions to welcome former inmates and give them a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to national development.
During the parliamentary session, Mzuzu South West Member of Parliament Frasco Mkandawire called on the government to construct a permanent police post at Luwinga.
Mkandawire said the existing police post operates from a rented family house, a situation he described as inadequate and one that undermines efforts to combat rising crime in the constituency.
In response, Mukhito advised the legislator to consider using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct a permanent police post for the area.
