Police probes own HR official
By Serah Chilora
Police have launched an investigation into sexual misconduct of one of its own Stan Kaliza, a Commissioner responsible for Human Resource Management and Development.
On Friday, screenshots of WhatsApp conversations alleged to be between Kaliza and several women within the law-enforcing institution went viral on social media.
A statement issued yesterday by police signed by National Public Relations Officer James Kadadzera titled ‘MPS investigating sexual allegations against Commissioner Stan Kaliza’ said police have started an investigation into the matter.
In a telephone interview, Kadadzera confirmed about the development.
“The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has commenced investigations into social media reports suggesting sexual misconduct committed by the Commissioner responsible for Human Resource, Management and Development Mr Stan Kaliza.
“When the investigations are concluded, the matter will be referred to the Police Service Commission which has, under the Police Act, the mandate of disciplining senior police officers. Meanwhile, the concerned Commissioner has been sent on forced leave to pave way for the investigations,” reads part of the letter.
The investigations come hot on the heels of female police officers writing Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) complaining about sexual abuses in police.
In a letter addressed to MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman and endorsed by MHRC to have been received on November 2, 2021, the women police officers complain of “injustices, especially sexual abuses from our seniors”.
“If there is rampant abuse of women, [it] is here at Police, it has just become a norm now that for anything to go in a woman’s favour at Police, one has to surrender her body.
“It may be good to some women who have no morals but some of us suffer in silence. We want you to investigate certain issues where women are abused sexually,” reads the complaint.
According to the petition, some of the paybacks to those who surrender themselves to sexual exploitation are awarding of ranks and promotions and assignment to peacekeeping mission.
