Malawi Police warns public against vigilante justice
The Malawi Police Service has warned to arrest anybody involved in mob justice saying the conduct has gotten out of hand.
Rhoda Manjolo, National Police Spokesperson while responding to a questionnaire on Wednesday said the police was saddened with the increasing incidences of killing people alleged to have stolen goods or done something against the society.
Last week, an angry mob at Kaliyeka in Lilongwe burnt to death two robbers who allegedly store goods belonging to one of the residents. Another man was recently killed at Chilinde township in the capital city.
Manjolo said the police was the only institution mandated by the constitution to handle issues concerning theft and any other cases.
She said meanwhile the police were investigating all cases of mob justice and those involved will be brought to book.
Manjolo said; “About mob justice, the Police service is investigating all matters and once done the perpetrators shall be brought before court.
“We want to warn the public not to take the Law into their hands because nobody is above the laws of the land. It is better to arrest the suspect and bring him or her to police for the law to take its course.”
Benard Kaole of Chilinde township blamed the police for its lenience and negligence.
He said sometimes people choose to take the law into their hands for fear that the police would still release the suspects even if they have committed serious offences.
“The police should not blame mob justice because sometimes people are angered with the way some cases are handled by the law enforcers. You would find out that people who have committed serious offences are released and how do you expect the public to react should the same persons be caught again,” Kaole said while insisting that the police should try to be serious on cases that would arouse public anger.
Meanwhile, the police are appealing to the public to work hand in hand with the law enforcing unit to reduce theft and other immoral behaviors.
In a relative development, the police service has warned to take to task people wearing camouflage pieces of clothes, saying robbers pretend to be police officers and end up stealing in people’s homes.
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