By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, February 22, Mana: Long wait for the opening of a police unit at Naizi, Bangwe in Blantyre, which was completed in September 2024, has left residents concerned with the increasing social ills and crime in the area, which put children's lives in danger.

Namiyango Ward Councilor Raphael Mzimu told the Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Friday that the police structure started to deteriorate since it has been unused for a long time after its construction.

He added that delay in opening the police unit was initially due to poor sanitation in the area.

“When we approached Limbe Police, they told us that they could not open the unit due to poor sanitation. We, therefore, had to ensure the area was cleaned and this was done with the help of the Blantyre City Council.

“Despite this, the unit has still not been opened, So many issues happen here, including increased theft and child marriages. Police Unit will help to enforce laws and bring order to this area,” the ward council explained.

He expressed concern over various social ills at Naizi, including presence of numerous liquor selling points that illegally sell liquor to children.

Mzimu urged opinion leaders and the police to work together in addressing security needs of the people in Namiyango Ward.

Limbe Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant, Aubrey Singanyama, said community at Naiza needs to do certain things before the police officially open the unit, citing installation of electricity and provision of sanitation.

Singanyama added that Limbe Police plans to organise community meeting with local leaders to discuss terms and set a date to open the police unit.

He therefore appealed to people at Naizi to collaborate with the police once the unit opens to ensure the facility save best interests of the community.

“People should not feel discouraged by the delay. In the meantime, they should continue using nearby police units such as BCA Police. They should also support the community policing forum,” he said.

Naizi Police Unit expects to serve six villages namely; Mkomanjila, Masala, Maganga, Namiango, Maplot and Mondiwa