The Ministry of Homeland Security has issued a warning to the public, prohibiting the wearing of military and other official security uniforms by unauthorised individuals, citing serious security concerns.
In a statement released on Tuesday, copied to Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and Malawi Police Service (MPS), among others, Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma said the ministry is “deeply concerned” by the growing trend of private security companies, political party cadres, politicians and members of the public wearing uniforms associated with Malawi’s official security institutions.
These include MDF, MPS, Malawi Prison Services and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
“The law prohibits any person who is not serving in security entities from wearing the uniforms or any attire resembling the official regalia of the country’s security bodies,” communication from Ching’oma reads.
The ministry says the unauthorised use or sale of security uniform patterns, ranks and insignia threatens national security, as it creates loopholes for individuals with ill intentions to commit violent crimes while disguised as security officers.
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“With immediate effect, it is strictly prohibited to wear insignia, ranks and dress that resemble the pattern of official security entities. Those who defy this warning risk having their regalia confiscated and face legal action,” the minister says.
The ministry further says the unauthorised use of such uniforms is a punishable offence under Malawian law and vowed to enforce the regulation through appropriate legal channels.
The public has since been urged to report anyone illegally wearing or selling such uniforms to the authorities.
