Minister warns new police recruits against immoral behaviour

Malawi: A call has been issued to police officers to refrain from uncalled-for behaviour that will tarnish the image of the Malawi Police Service.

Corruption, being drunk on duty, and stealing are among the behaviours prohibited.

This is according to Jean Sendeza, minister of homeland security, who made the call today during a pass-out parade of newly recruited police officers at Kanjedza Police Training School in Limbe, Blantyre.

The new recruits, a total of 1,614, have completed police training at various police training schools across the country and are ready to contribute human resources to the security sector.

According to Sendeza, good behaviour will aid in the establishment of people's trust in the local police, which will promote the rule of law in the country.

"I have advised them to be exemplary in everything they do because they are a light of the world," Sendeza said after presiding over the pass-out parade in an interview with the media.

She claims that the Chakwera administration will do everything possible to improve the living conditions of all men in uniform in the country as a reward for the requested good morals.

Merlyn Nachulu Yolamu, Inspector General of Malawi Police, stated in her remarks that this is a significant step toward ensuring people's and property's safety.

Yolamu claims that the current ratio of one police officer for every 1000 people has been reduced, but more needs to be done to meet international standards.

"The standard ratio is that one officer must provide security to 450 people; however, the situation in Malawi is different," she emphasised.

Yolamu also emphasised that the local police training schools are facing a number of challenges that must be addressed immediately by the government.

She cites insufficient shelter facilities for recruits and a lack of forensic laboratories in schools as obstacles to the smooth flow of training.

Responding to this, Sendeza stated that the government has taken notice and that action will be taken soon to put an end to them.

Two of the new officers, a male and a female, have albinism and have received a bravery award from the Young Achievers for Development (YAD) organisation.

Other senior government officials, including Deputy Minister of Health Enock Phale, attended the event.