Thyolo crime rate reduces by 8.6 percent

Police in Thyolo say a good working relationship between the police and the community has helped reduce crime in the district by 8.6 percent last year.

Thyolo Police deputy public relations officer Edina Kachotsa said 2 336 cases were registered in 2013 against 2 557 cases recorded in 2012.

“Apart from the good relationship, commitment and hard work of the police has also helped to deal with crime in the district,” added Kachotsa.

She said visibility of police officers has also assisted in reducing serious cases such as murder, defilement and robbery compared to 2012.

Kachotsa added that intensive patrols have also helped to recover some of the stolen properties from different individuals and institutions.

“Due to the intensive patrols, we were able to recover two stolen motor vehicles, one of which was stolen in Blantyre,” she said.

Kachotsa also revealed that chieftaincy wrangles have been the major challenge in most areas in the district in the past year, but was quick to say that police tried their best to restore peace and order in concerned areas.

Kachotsa also applauded tea estates for their support in fighting crime in the district.

“Tea estates such as Mchima, Satemwa and Mtuwanjati have played a big role by providing us with fuel and other resources for motor vehicles for patrols,” she added.

However, Kachotsa said the police and the community still have a big role to play in order for further reduction of the figures of crimes in the district. —Mana