LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s human rights and civil society organisations have praised Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga for promoting and awarding Sergeant Frank Nkhata and his colleague following their bravery in foiling an armed robbery at Mbowe in Lilongwe.
Speaking under the Human Rights Conservative Committee and the Malawi CSO Led Black Economic Empowerment Movement (MaBLEM) chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba said the recognition was a commendable response from police leadership, especially after civil society groups had earlier demanded swift action to support the officers involved.
The CSOs said the operation carried out by the two officers was extremely risky, as they posed as ordinary citizens pretending to withdraw money from an ATM in an area widely known for criminal activity.
According to the organisations, such areas are often avoided by the public due to frequent attacks by thugs and armed criminals, making the officers’ decision to go undercover a clear demonstration of courage and commitment to duty.
They noted that despite the danger, the officers managed to intercept the criminals and successfully apprehended one of the suspects, preventing what could have resulted in loss of life and property.
The civil society groups said the decision by IG Luhanga to reward the officers sends a strong message within the Malawi Police Service that dedication, sacrifice and professionalism will be recognised.
They further observed that in many cases, some officers tend to prioritise assignments that offer personal benefits, while neglecting difficult and high-risk duties that directly protect citizens.
“The promotion of these officers shows that the Inspector General is serious about discipline and performance,” the CSOs said, calling on traffic police, community policing officers and members of the Police Mobile Service to emulate the example.
The organisations also urged police officers not to be discouraged by the risks associated with their work, stressing that the rewards of serving with integrity and commitment outweigh personal gain.
They highlighted several crime prone areas such as Kwacha Township and Mount Soche in Blantyre, Maula and Amina roundabouts in Lilongwe including Kaning’ina in Mzuzu, urging police to intensify patrols in these known hotspots.
The CSOs concluded by saluting IG Richard Luhanga for his leadership and expressed hope that more officers who demonstrate exceptional service will continue to be recognised, saying such actions strengthen public trust in the Malawi Police Service.