By Blessings Preston Memena

Mzuzu, April 30, Mana: A Mzuzu University-based security expert, Theodora Thindwa has urged relevant stakeholders to work together with the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to reduce rampant crime that has been happening in Mzuzu City. 

This follows a spate of armed robberies in the city over the past two months.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Thindwa, a lecturer in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security Studies, noted that social and economic factors are some of the crime drivers.

He said there is need for relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations to enhance the capacity of police in dealing with crime.

“There is need to support Malawi Police officers to acquire modern skills such as how to use forensics so that they can arrest crime perpetrators and recover the stolen properties in good time,” Thindwa said. 

However, Thindwa urged Mzuzu residents to be proactive in taking measures that can safeguard them from criminals and asked Mzuzu City Council to ensures that street lights in the city are functioning.

“Residents should be clearing all places that could be used as hideouts including clearing unnecessary bushes around their residences. In addition, the Mzuzu City Council should invest in security lights and support neighborhood watch and community policing initiatives”, she said.

In a related development, Northern Region Police’s Public Relations Officer, Maurice Chapola said police are trying their best to reduce crime in the region.  

She was speaking in an interview on Monday after arresting seven people who are suspected of being behind a spate of robberies targeting lodges and high profile business people in Mzuzu City.

“During the past weeks we have been receiving reports of criminals targeting lodges and high profile people including foreign nationals. We made a statement as MPS assuring the residents to remain calm and vigilant while giving us enough time to launch an investigation and we have since arrested the seven suspects,” Chapola said. 

The suspects are Chikondi Phiri, aged 45 from Mayaka Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chikowi in Zomba, Bright Ben, aged 45 from Mphepo Village, T/A Wimbe in Kasungu, Wested Taulo, Aged 40 from Sabwilabwi Village, T/A Paundi in Manica Mozambique.

Others are Masautso Kaipa, aged 32 from Mlandeni Village, T/A Mpamba in Chiradzulu, Sam Petro, aged 24, Amos Petulo, aged 28, both from Dongo Village, T/A Nsabwe and Yankho Wonderford, aged 18 from Chalingana Village T/A Chaangata, all in Thyolo.