Police, stakeholders strategise on ending street begging
In an effort to reduce theft and burglary cases, Malawi Police Service (MPS), the Asian business community and other stakeholders have partnered to eliminate street begging.
Speaking during a security meeting with the Asian business community in Blantyre on Tuesday, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Southern Region, Arlene Baluwa, said police would set up squads to carry out the exercise.
established institutions
National Police child protection officer Alexander Ngwata said police will not only remove beggars from the streets, but also protect children’s rights.
He said: “Rights of children in the streets are generally abused and police, together with other stakeholders, will protect them by putting them in conducive places for their growth and development.”
Acting chairperson for Limbe Asian community, Makbul Latif, said begging is a nuisance to residents and appealed to the community to stop giving alms to street beggars.
“We will encourage them to have that money given to established institutions that provide vocational training to children,” he said.
Centre manager for Chisomo Children’s Club in Blantyre, Auspicious Ndamuwa, welcomed the initiative.
