By Zakeyu Mamba
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A security expert, Sherrif Kaisi, has warned that publicly parading people suspected of committing crimes can seriously undermine police investigations.
Kaisi says the growing practice by police of presenting suspects before cameras and on online platforms, while asking them to explain how crimes were committed, risks compromising the integrity of investigations.
According to him, such exposure can give other suspects an opportunity to learn what their alleged accomplices have already said.
He explains that this may interfere with investigations because other suspects could alter, tailor, or coordinate their statements based on information they have already seen or heard in public.
“Interviews should be conducted carefully and confidentially, not in front of the public, so that investigations remain strong, credible, and accurate,” said Kaisi.
His remarks follow an incident that occurred on Wednesday, when police, accompanied by six suspects believed to be connected to the killing of Dr. Victoria Bobe, visited the late academic’s home in Chigumula Township, Blantyre.
The purpose of the visit was to allow the suspects to demonstrate how they allegedly accessed the premises.
Dr. Bobe, who was a lecturer at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), was shot dead at her home on November 7 this year.
The case has attracted significant public attention, prompting debate on how investigations into serious crimes should be handled.
While acknowledging the public’s desire for justice, some experts argue that investigative procedures must balance transparency with the protection of suspects’ rights.
They stress that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty and that premature public exposure can prejudice cases before they reach the courts.
Experts further warn that such practices may weaken prosecutions and provide grounds for legal challenges, potentially allowing offenders to evade justice.
They therefore call on law enforcement agencies to uphold professional standards that protect both the investigative process and the rights of individuals involved.