By Staff Reporter
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has urged the newly recruited police constables to uphold integrity in carrying out their duties for a lawful and peaceful Malawi.
Chakwera made the remarks today when he presided over the Passing Out Parade of 1,367 recruits from the 1st cohort of the 2023/2024 Malawi Police Service Basic Recruit Training Course at Limbe Police Training School in Blantyre.
He urged the new law enforcers to protect their uniform by upholding values of integrity, professionalism, and service to the community.
“Don’t forget to do your job with expertise and always make sure that you abide by the law,” he said.
President Chakwera, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Police Service, highlighted that since he came into power, his administration has been working on increasing the number of police officers in the country to meet international standards.
Chakwera said his administration has trained and recruited over 6,000, increasing the number of police officers to 19,570 from 13,500, which represents more than a 30% increase in just four years.
The President also condemned mob justice and urged the recruits to work with utmost efficiency to prevent the increase of cases of mob justice.
“There are a few police officers that ruin the reputation of other good ones; be the first ones to set a good example as you help in our communities to give them an assurance that you will carry out your work efficiently, which will reduce cases of mob justice,” he said.
He further assured the Malawi Police Service of his continued support in providing infrastructure and improving the welfare of officers saying the police houses being constructed, will all be completed.
Minister of Homeland Security, Zikhale Ng’oma, commended the President for construction of Blantyre police station, which he said will improve police operations in the district.
On her part, the Inspector General of Police, Merlyne Nachulu Yolamu, applauded Chakwera for recruiting the police constables as this creates jobs for Malawians and reduces the ratio of police officers to the public.
She also urged the recruits to serve with patriotism, love, and integrity as they carry out their duties.
