By Rebecca Chimjeka Matemba
At least 100 officers from the Malawi Police Service have been dismissed, demoted or received warnings after being found guilty of various acts of misconduct following disciplinary hearings.
Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga confirmed the development, saying the police service is determined to enforce discipline within its ranks.
Luhanga said the institution will not tolerate officers involved in criminal or unethical behaviour.
“We are simply following the rules. We want a police service that serves people wholeheartedly,” he said.
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According to an internal memo signed by Commissioner of Police responsible for Human Resource Management and Development Evalista Mvula Chisale, the affected officers were found guilty of several offences.
The offences include absenteeism, negligence of duty, disobedience of lawful orders, conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, drunkenness while on duty, leaving a post without authority, allowing a suspect to escape, unlawful disclosure of information and improper dressing.
The memo further indicates that the officers have been given 14 days to appeal against the disciplinary decisions if they are dissatisfied with the outcome.
Controlling officers across the police service have since been directed to ensure that all disciplinary measures are fully implemented in accordance with the decisions made.
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Meanwhile, governance and human rights commentator Michael Kaiyatsa has welcomed the development, saying enforcing discipline within security institutions is key to restoring public trust.
“Holding officers accountable for misconduct is an important step towards strengthening professionalism and improving service delivery in the police service,” Kaiyatsa said.
