Police Chief Pushes Border Cooperation
Yolamu made the call Tuesday during a visit to the Mangochi district police post, located just meters from Mozambique.
MANGOCHI, Malawi - The Inspector General of Police Merlyn Nachulu Yolamu has urged police officers at Maleta police unit to continue collaborating with neighbouring security to ensure maximum border security, writes Francis Polinyu Banda.
Yolamu made the call Tuesday during a visit to the Mangochi district police post, located just meters from Mozambique.
She applauded the unit for maintaining good community relations, which she said has helped reduce high crime rates in the area.
“The purpose of my visit here was to show you that you are an important part of the security system,” Yolamu said.
She encouraged officers to work with community leaders to develop structures to continue fighting cross-border crimes.
After addressing officers, Yolamu inspected renovations to the office and staff housing, which are nearly complete.
Officer In-Charge Harry Chikuse outlined challenges like lack of mobility and periodic rotation of officers.
"Management should consider rotating officers here. They face challenges unlike counterparts in other locations," Chikuse said.
Yolamu pledged to address the issues quickly but said their presence is important for border communities needing security.
Police Commissioner Violet Magwaya assured the inspector general that despite challenges, the hardworking officers display good conduct.
Police spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed mobility issues and lack of communication networks.
“Apart from understaffing, there’s lack of equipment and mobile coverage,” Daudi said.
On her visit, the Inspector General of police was accompanied by the Officer In-Charge for Mangochi Police Station Morgan Dzonzi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Eastern Regional Operations Officer Henleck Chingolo, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Service Administration Officer Joel Makiyi.