By Chisomo Phiri
The Eastern Region Police says it has registered an increase in criminal cases by 9.5 percent within the past two years.
This is according to Eastern Region Police Commissioner Violet Magwaya who was speaking on Wednesday evening during the annual review conference on crime and traffic management.
Magwaya indicated that the region reported 6926 criminal cases in 2023 and 6327 in the year of 2022.
On road accidents, the commissioner said, the region reported 391 accidents in 2023 while 417 road accidents were reported in 2022 representing a 6 percent decline.
Magwaya said they have so far put in place different interventions in the region which include, awareness campaigns, which have created a room for community members to feel free to report their matters to police, as well as police patrols during the day and night with community members, which helped in the detection of more cases in the region.
She however, lamented the lack of funding and shortage of transport as a major setback of police operations in the district.
Magwaya further advised police officers to refrain from corruption and work with integrity when conducting their duties.
According to her, corruption is a setback in efforts to end crime, as it impedes justice.
She warned the officers that anyone found engaging in corrupt practices will be dealt with.
In his remarks,assistant commissioner of police Fred Chande, who represented the inspector General of police, commended the officers for the good job that they performed in 2023 as the country was affected by Cyclone Freddy saying the officers did their best in saving lives and property.
The conference brought together top police officials, experts and policy makers to strategies on how they can enhance security and safety of people in the region.
Notable faces that attended the event include Deputy Eastern Region Police commissioner, Gladson Chipumphula, Zomba district Mayor, Davie Maunde and other senior police officers.
