Prosecutors in the Malawi Police Service (MPS) have been urged to avoid corruption and uphold the values of their profession in performing their duties.
European Union (EU) ambassador Michel Germann issued the warning at Police Training College in Zomba on Thursday when he officially closed a three-month training of 40 police prosecutors in criminal practices.
The training falls under the Democratic Governance Programme (DGP) which is being supported by the EU in partnership with government.
Germann expressed concern over media reports about police officers being involved in corrupt practices which, he said, put their profession in disrepute.
He said: “Much as you operate in a difficult environment due to various challenges, when exercising your duties, you are susceptible to conniving with judicial officers to receive bribes which can dent the image of your service. I hope this will not happen with this [group]. You should provide quality services with dignity and impartiality.”
He added that a new curriculum is being developed that will see police officers pursuing accredited degree courses with the University of Malawi.
In his remarks, Commissioner of Police responsible for administration and finance Innocent Botomani said equipping police officers with knowledge will ensure that justice is delivered faster.
He emphasized that corruption affects justice delivery and warned that the law will not spare anyone involved in the vice.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating prosecutors, David Kusamale expressed gratitude to EU for supporting the police.
“We feel proud and privileged to have undergone this course. We have been trained in various aspects such as criminal law, criminal justice, procedure and advocate,” he said.
