By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia
Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira Sunday led a team of police officers, Blantyre City Council officials and other stakeholders in a security reinforcement exercise aimed at tackling criminal activities in Blantyre.
The campaign comes amid reports of increasing criminal activities in the city, where attacks and theft targeting business operators and residents have been reported during daytime and nighttime.
The development also came barely days after the arrest of four street-connected children who were captured on CCTV allegedly harassing passersby in broad daylight at Ginnery Corner in Blantyre City.
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Speaking in the course of the operation, Kayira said police would intensify patrols and ensure that perpetrators of criminal activities are held accountable.
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“People should not be scared of walking around [they should not be fearing] that their phones are going to be snatched. At the same time, we want to assist the Blantyre City Council to ensure that all people who are doing illegal vending, begging, and what have you, are removed from the city,” Kayira said.
Blantyre City Council Deputy Mayor Gerald Lipikwe said the council had been receiving security complaints from residents and business operators, prompting it to engage law enforcement agencies.
Lipikwe said the council would work with the police to strengthen security across the city.
“We have looked around and have found some solutions which I am optimistic will help bring great change to the city,” Lipikwe said.
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During the operation on Sunday, police and council officials visited several hotspots where criminal activities have been reported. The sites included Ndirande, Chilomoni, Manyowe, Manje, Limbe and Ginnery Corner.
