By Demetria Banda
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has written the office of the Acting Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service (MPS) George Kainja to raise concerns on the unlawful and unprofessional conduct of his office especially towards his fellow senior officers.
In the letter dated September 8, 2020 and signed by its executive director Sylvester Namiwa, the organisation observed that lack of professionalism on the part of Malawi Police Service has cost the country a lot in the past including loss of lives where police officers have been killed while in the line of duty and loss of property as people lost trust in the police hence the country cannot afford the same thing this time around,
Reads the letter in part: “Sir, the media has been awash with reports that since you become the acting inspector general police, you have effected so many transfers of very senior police officers including the transfer of Commissioner Tedious Samveka, Deputy Commissioner Wandale, Richard Luhanga, Stain Chaima,Noel Kayira, Assistant Commissioner Gerald Chiwanda, Isaac Norman, Chisale, Nthenda, Somanje, Mrs Mkwamba, Chifikana, Chikhungu and more. These are quite senior police officers in the Malawi service.
“Chapter 4 of the constitution of Malawi contains the bill of rights and CDEDI believes police officers too have rights just like any other person and everyone in Malawi.CDEDI is raising concern on the transfers of these senior police officers named above because most of them were heads of sections at the national police headquarters but they have been moved to smaller administrative positions although they are maintaining their ranks”.
According to the letter, CDEDI is worried that the office is implanting fear in police officers rather than professionalism as the constitution of Malawi, police act and rules of natural justice have not been followed in these administrative decisions. This erodes the hope that Malawi police service will reform and move into becoming a professional organisation under his leadership.
“CDEDI has therefore, been prompted to write to you this letter noting with regret that since your appointment into the office of the acting inspector general(AIG) you have made decision that are not in conformity with the police reforms, some decisions smack a total disregard to the set standards of professionalism expected from the office you are holding sir.
CDEDI will be exploring other legal remedies u der the constitution of Malawi and relevant laws of Malawi in case this matter is not resolved by your office as requested, CDEDI believes the reforming and modernising of the Malawi police service should start with the way senior police officers and all police officers in Malawi are treated within the organisation by promoting their humanity and dignity and that all laws of Malawi should be complied in dealing with all operation and administrative matters,” reads the letter.
The Maravi Post on Sunday, September 6, 2020 carried an article in which Acting Police Chief is accused of chasing three top talented cops in favour of mediocrity that he even hired his wife to head fiscal department.
