CWR, Lumbadzi Police meet with chiefs on curbing murder, mob justice

By Alfred Chauwa

Central West Region (CWR) Police, in collaboration with Lumbadzi Police Station, on Tuesday engaged Senior Chief Chitukula, traditional , faith leaders and members of the business community in a community safety meeting aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent murder, mob justice and suicide.

The meeting, held at Senior Chief Chitukula’s Headquarters, focused on promoting collaboration between the police and community leaders in addressing crimes and safeguarding lives.

Speaking during the engagement, CWR Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mecklina Medi, urged traditional and faith leaders to take an active role in preventing deaths resulting from mob justice, murder and suicide, describing the incidents as preventable through collective action.

She emphasized that chiefs have an important responsibility to protect suspects from angry mobs and allow the justice system to handle criminal cases.

“Taking the law into one’s own hands defeats the ends of justice. Suspects should be handed over to the police to ensure due process is followed,” she said.

Medi also cautioned chiefs against unprocedural land sales, warning that such practices often fuel conflicts and contribute to crimes, including livestock theft.

Lumbadzi Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mable Msefula, called on traditional leaders to promote respect for the rule of law within their communities and encourage residents to resolve disputes through legal channels.

Regional Community Policing Coordinator, Superintendent Cagetan Singano, appealed to chiefs to intensify efforts to end child marriages and maintain records of strangers, Senior Chief Chitukula commended the police for conducting the awareness meeting, describing it as timely provided participants with an opportunity to seek clarification on police bail procedures and other policing matters, with officers entering their communities as part of enhancing local security.

Regional Executive Committee Chairperson Dr Alex Chapondera encouraged traditional leaders to establish vibrant Community Policing Forums that would work closely with Lumbadzi Police Station in addressing security challenges.

In his remarks, Senior Chief Chitukula commended the police for conducting the awareness meeting, describing it as timely and informative.

He said the engagement had equipped community leaders with valuable knowledge on safety and security issues that would help them better serve their communities.

The interactive meeting also provided participants with an opportunity to seek clarification on police bail procedures and other policing matters, with officers responding to the concerns raised.

The engagement forms part of the Malawi Police Service’s ongoing community policing initiatives aimed at strengthening partnerships with local leaders in promoting peace, security and the rule of law.