Minister Mukhitho Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Police Service

Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhitho has assured the Malawi Police Service that government is committed to swiftly addressing challenges affecting the service to enhance effective and professional service delivery.

Mukhitho made the assurance on Friday in Lilongwe during a familiarisation visit to the national police headquarters at Area 30, where he interacted with police leadership and inspected ongoing projects.

The minister said government recognises the critical role the police play in maintaining law and order and that addressing operational and welfare challenges remains a priority.

During the visit, Mukhitho inspected the construction of police officers’ houses at the headquarters and assured officers that government is committed to ensuring the houses are completed within the stipulated time. He said decent accommodation is key to improving officers’ morale and performance.

Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga welcomed the minister’s visit, describing it as an opportunity for the service to present its operational status and challenges directly to political leadership. He said the engagement allowed police management to highlight areas requiring urgent attention.

Luhanga said the police service continues to face several constraints that affect effective operations, adding that addressing welfare issues and logistical needs would significantly enhance service delivery. He expressed hope that the minister’s visit would translate into concrete interventions.

As part of the programme, Mukhitho and his deputy Norman Chisale laid wreaths at the national police headquarters memorial tower in honour of officers who died in the line of duty.

The visit was aimed at appreciating the work the Malawi Police Service is doing in safeguarding public safety, while also gaining first hand understanding of the challenges officers face in the execution of their duties.