Malawi Boosts Police Force as Chakwera Affirms Law and Order Priority
BLANTYRE, Malawi- Malawi's commitment to maintaining law and order through strengthening its police force was emphatically reaffirmed by President Lazarus Chakwera on Friday during the pass-out parade for 1,367 new police recruits, writes Memory Chatonda, MANA.
Speaking at the Limbe Police Training School grounds, Chakwera highlighted his administration's efforts to bolster security, revealing that over 6,000 police officers have been recruited since he took office four years ago.
This is in addition to the initial 19,700 officers, with another 2,000 recruits set to graduate in the next three months.
"The country that is serious about issues of security needs to have more security personnel to enforce and maintain law and order," Chakwera stated.
"The law should be more powerful than money, politics, fame and relatives if we are serious about building a new and better Malawi."
The president advised the newly graduated officers to uphold the highest ethical standards and professionalism in executing their duties.
"Be exemplary and also the first to protect your profession and institution. Guard against your conduct jealously in your quest to maintain public order. In that way, you build confidence in the public."
Chakwera commended the police force's role in preserving law and order, promoting justice, enforcing traffic laws, and protecting lives and property. He assured that his government would continue providing necessary support, including decent housing, promotions, and better salaries.
Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu welcomed the president's presence, stating it reaffirmed the government's dedication to creating jobs and enhancing governance.
She expressed optimism that the new officers would bolster law and order, particularly during the upcoming tripartite elections.
Minister of Homeland Security Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng'oma lauded the administration's prioritization of security personnel's welfare, citing the construction and rehabilitation of 4,000 houses for police officers as a motivating factor.
He reiterated his ministry's commitment to intensifying security nationwide to safeguard citizens.
The 1,367 new officers, 518 of whom are female, underwent training in law enforcement, human rights, public order management, weapon handling, and professional ethics.
During the ceremony, Chakwera presented certificates to the top 35 recruits.
As Malawi prepares for elections, the expansion of its police force underscores the government's resolve to uphold law and order as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the country.
*With additional reporting by AfricaBrief.