Msundwe communities, police for reconciliation

Msundwe communities in Lilongwe have pledged to end their distrust of the police following running battles they had in the aftermath of the May 21 2019 Tripartite Election. 

The call for reconciliation comes almost a year after angry protesters from Msundwe killed a police officer Usman Imedi during the anti-Jane Ansah demonstrations. The  protesters also torched a police unit at Mpingu. 

Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting between  police and Msundwe communities brokered by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) at Central Region Police  Headquarters in Lilongwe, the communities’ representative Kondwerani Bayizo said it was high time they repaired their shattered relationship with the law enforcers.

“We want police back in Msundwe to protect property and lives,” he said.

Lilongwe Mapuyu North legislator Horace Chipuwa said his constituents have now given power back to the police.

“As a parliamentarian, I have been raising awareness to the evils of crime. Anyone who will commit crime should be arrested. Police should not fear to discharge their duties,” he said.

Chipuwa, however, asked the law enforcers to release six young men arrested during the demonstrations in October last year.

Central Region Police Commissioner Merlyne Yolamu stressed the need for the police to be reconciled with the citizens.

“We have engaged people of Msundwe in confidence building,” she said. 

HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence said his organisation is committed to build a trust gap between the law enforcers and the communities.