By Martin Chiwanda

Machinga, July 11, Mana: Director of Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Pamela Kandonga has said the Malawi Police Service in the country is crucial in the effective implementation of new enacted and amended landlLaws.

Kandonga made the sentiments on Thursday in Liwonde during the sensitization of police officers from the eastern region on the amended land laws and land information management systems.

She said the police is a key stakeholder in the implementation of the amended laws; hence, the need for the men and women in uniform to understand the provisions to ably enforce the pieces of legislation.

“It is no secret that police are a crucial stakeholder in the implementation of new amended land laws as they assist in enforcing the laws. They are mandated to making sure that the laws are being implemented and people are complying with the laws,” she said.

Kandonga, therefore, said the ministry decided to engage the police officers to acquaint them with the new land laws.

“Therefore, it is important for the police to know the provisions of the new land laws and enable them to deliver on their mandate in their respective work places efficiently,” Kandonga said.

Commissioner of Police responsible for the Eastern Region, Barbra Mchengatsika said the orientation has come at a right time, as land issues have always been sensitive.

Mchengatsika concurred with Kandonga that police officers need to know the laws considering that it is very difficult to enforce a law, which one is not familiar with.

“We are very grateful to the Ministry of Lands for the orientation. The police officers had more knowledge on old land laws despite the fact that the law was amended which was dangerous.

“We had a risk of not enforcing the law as it is supposed to be. But now with the orientation, we will be able to enforce the land laws properly,” she said.

Land laws were enacted in 2016 and were amended in 2022.