By Burnett Munthali
Malawi Police Service Director of Community Policing and Rural Police Units Alexander Ngwala has called on communities in Traditional Authority Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe District to strengthen cooperation with law enforcement agencies to improve public safety.
According to local media reports, Ngwala made the appeal during an engagement with traditional leaders and community members at the Traditional Authority Masumbankhunda headquarters, where he emphasised the importance of community participation in crime prevention.
He said community policing remained an essential tool for building safer neighbourhoods, urging chiefs and residents to work closely with police officers in identifying and addressing security challenges.
Ngwala expressed concern over reports of increasing murder cases and mob justice, calling on residents to respect human life and uphold the rights and dignity of every individual.
He warned communities against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that criminal allegations should be handled through established legal procedures rather than violence.
The police director also called for stronger protection of vulnerable people, particularly elderly citizens who face abuse and discrimination within their communities.
He condemned accusations of witchcraft against older people, describing the practice as a violation of their fundamental rights and a criminal offence.
Senior Chief Masumbankhunda thanked the Malawi Police Service for visiting the area and engaging traditional leaders and residents on matters of community security.
He said the engagement had encouraged his subjects and expressed hope that the police would continue conducting similar outreach activities to strengthen relations with local communities.
The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between traditional authorities, residents and police officers in preventing crime, protecting vulnerable groups and promoting peaceful communities.
