MP proposes insurance cover for police

Mchinji North East member of Parliament (MP) Alex Chitete has proposed that government should come up with a life insurance policy targeting police officers who die or suffer injuries while discharging their duties.

Chitete, in his supplementary question to the private members’ business on Thursday, noted that law enforcers risk personal lives in the course of protecting and securing other people’s lives and property.

He, however, noted that there is little that goes to the families whose relative gets killed while discharging their duties.

The MP, therefore, asked government to come up with a comprehensive health insurance cover for police officers to ensure that their immediate dependants do not suffer undue pain when their beloved one

dies while on duty.

Explained Chitete: “We’ve all witnessed how dangerous criminals are killing our police officers on duty. However, there appears to be very little that families whose relative died while discharging his or her

duties.”

“I, therefore, propose that government should introduce a policy to cover their lives,” he added.

Chitete said such a policy could cover risks ranging from accidental death, permanent total disability, temporary total disability, critical illness and funeral expenses for the principal member and

declared dependants.

According to the MP, such an insurance policy could also help improve the welfare and living standards of law enforcers in the country.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Affairs Jean Kalilani said the ministry will soon present a bill on this policy, adding discussions are already underway with relevant players to facilitate the introduction of the scheme.

But Kalilani emphasised that the establishment of the scheme will rely on the support of MPs will give her ministry. n