National security is the ability of a state to cater for the protection and defence of its citizenry. This is to say that Malawi has the duty to protect and defend its citizens.
Any threat compromises a country’s authority and jeopardizes its stability. The national security sector offers defenses against such hazards. In addition to citizens, national institutions’ financial stability is protected by national security.
The challenge
Currently, our security is not good enough and uncertain. It is sad and painful to see the number of people being killed in a pattern today that appears well-planned. We have other challenges already that also need solving such as lack of Forex, Fuel shortages, rising cost of living, high rates of unemployment or underemployment, high rates of poverty, and low growth.
Background
Agnes Katengeza who was reported missing on Saturday 22 September 2023 was found murdered in Lilongwe.
On Sunday afternoon, Katengeza’s vehicle registration number BY5149 was found in Area 47 and appeared to have been broken into.
Coca-Cola Beverages Sales Manager Allan Witika was also killed on Wednesday morning, September 20, 2023, along his Gogo Jenara Street, Area 15 in the capital Lilongwe.
Witika was found dead in a company car along the same road-side. We can go on and on listing names of victims killed in recent murder cases.
Questions
What is the main reason behind all these murders?
Robbery, jealousy, and vengeance could be the three motives responsible for nearly all murders.
The Role Of The Police
It is the role of the Malawi Police to prevent, investigate and detect crime. Apprehend and prosecute offenders. Maintenance of law and order. Protect property, life, fundamental freedoms, and rights of individuals.
Is the Malawi Police Service preventing crime or committing crime? I think the Malawi Police Service is not good enough because they are at the forefront of committing robberies like that of Salima, effecting wrong arrests and detentions like that of Bon Kalindo, dispersing legally organized demonstrators with tear gas, and protecting men with panga knives.
The Role Of The Community
It is now time for the citizens of this country to rise up and take a role in preventing crime by serving as vigilantes, intervening in attempted offenses, taking precautions to prevent the murder of innocent people, and establishing and enforcing guidelines for the behavior of our communities.
CCTV cameras should be installed everywhere. CCTV cameras can help in lots of places. Like in homes, stores, schools, and even on the streets. They keep an eye out for bad things happening and help keep people safe. They’re like electronic eyes that watch over different areas to make sure everything is okay.
CCTV can work in the dark. Most IR CCTV cameras that operate during the night capture images. However, in most cases, the images are captured in black and white. There are a few security cameras that come with monochrome filters and these are useful during the night.
Our communities can afford to have these things where we live rather than relying on our inefficient and corrupt police. Locations and streets in areas such as Area 47, 18, 15, 19, and 12 should be the first to install these cameras in public places.
Areas like Mchesi, Kawale, Mtsiliza, Senti, 23, and 36 will follow suit and buy CCTV cameras together as communities and have them installed in public places.
