Police to train Fisp prosecutors

The Malawi Police Service (MPS), in its quest to make sure that this year’s Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) has few glitches, plans to train specialised prosecutors, investigators and special officers to prosecute and investigate Fisp cases speedily.

According to a statement on the proposed approach to strengthen the safety and security of subsidised farm inputs the police agreed that previously they were unable to investigate and prosecute suspects with speed.

“The police will orient and train specialised prosecutors, investigators and special officers who will be assigned to effectively investigate Fisp cases. Apart from that the Police will also allocate enough resources to speed up investigations and prosecution of Fisp related cases,” reads the statement.

According to the statement, the police will also improve communication with the members of the public as well as increase surveillance because this will help them gather necessary information and evidence for successful prosecution of Fisp cases.

“The surveillance will involve undercover agents, uniform officers and community policing members who will conduct secret observations of how things are done in various stages of the Fisp,” further reads the statement.

Inspector General of Police Lot Dzonzi recently told The Nation that this year they will make sure that incidences of diverting fertilizer are stopped so that many farmers access the cheap commodities.

According to Dzonzi, there was no police officer who was involved in any fisp malpractice in the 2011/12 season and he hopes the same scenario will continue.

“I want to commend the officers for a job well done in the just ended Fisp season and it is my prayer that no officer will also be involved in any malpractice in the 2013/14 Fisp season,” said Dzonzi.

Government has allocated about K60 billion (about $152m) to Fisp.