JB calls for enhanced security to residents

President Joyce Banda has asked security agencies in the country, including the Malawi Police Service (MPS), to ensure maximum security to citizens and the business community at all times.

The President’s comments follow media reports of laxity in Malawi’s security resulting from a spate of reported criminal cases in people’s homes and business premises which MPS has attributed to some police officers resisting the change in the service leadership.    

Speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre where the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (Jica) donated 222 pieces of musical instruments valued at K118 million (about $472 000) to MPS, Banda said she has been reading in the media disturbing reports of increasing crime in some parts of the country.

She assured the business community of a peaceful and secure business environment, saying it is the duty of government to ensure law and order.

Commenting on the gift, the President said the equipment would foster improved musical standards in MPS as it would ease frustrations band members were enduring due to old equipment.

Receiving the donation, Minister of Home Affairs Uladi Mussa hailed Jica, saying the musical equipment would strengthen and enhance the capacity of the police band.

Making the donation, Japanese ambassador to Malawi Fujio Samukawa said the importance of law and order could not be overemphasised.

In his remarks, Inspector General of Police Lot Dzonzi commended Jica for the gift, saying it would go a long way in improving the diminishing standards of music in the Malawi Police Band.

The gift comprises 20 types of instruments, including dance band equipment, and was made through the Japanese Cultural Grant Aid which dates back to 2010 when Japan and Malawi exchanged notes.—Mana