No cause for panic, IG says on ‘oppressive’ Police law
Inspector General of Malawi Police Service, Peter Mukhito has said, citizens should not press the panic button over the passing of controversial police bill that empower police officers to carry out searches without a warrant.
The “oppressive” police law has sections similar to some oppressive laws of Zimbabwe which the Robert Mugabe administration used to oppress the opposition.
But Police Chief said the new law will strike “a balance” and downplayed fears that it will be abused.
“Under criminal procedure and evidence code, the normal procedure for police officer to go and conduct search, is to go through the Magistrate. But now, in case of emergencies , where police officer is actually investigating a case, and has again grounds to believe that in certain house there are items which have been stolen, the controversial bill actually provide an opportunity for the police officer to go there and then to do the search,” Mukhito said.
The Police Chief was speaking on an in-depth interview programme, Straight Talk.
The programme aired on Capital Radio which is hosted by journalist Brian Banda renowned for his no-holds barred questions was monitored by Nyasa Times on Tuesday evening.
Mukhito parried away fears that officers will abuse the new law to victimise innocent citizens.
“Police constable is a citizen of the country locally appointed but having powers. These powers are actually coming from members of the public. In fact, as police officers we are doing this work on behalf of members of the public,” said the IG.
He added: “Let me commit myself that it [police bill] will never be abused because in fact, procedurally the police officer will never go and do a search alone.
“Normally, it provides that the officer has to be accompanied by people within the society. They have to declare which items to search, after that they have to certify and the findings be submitted to the Magistrate.”
Mukhito conceded that he is “embarrassed” with reports that some law enforcers are conniving with criminals to carry robberies and theft of motor vehicles.
“I am embarrassed. I am a bit embarrassed at least what I do as a leader is just to make sure that whosoever does something wrong, in conflict of the law is sent to courts,” he said.
“In fact I must admit as head of police that we have rotten eggs in the Malawi Police Service and I cannot run away from that,” said the Inspector General.
The IG said he has so far interdicted several officers for misconduct and they are being prosecuted.
Tagged with: Mugabe, Peter Mukhito, Police, Police Bill
This guy is not convincing I must say.
1) He has committed himself that this will not be abused
2)He says he is a [bit]embarrased…come on man you can do better than that
3)He cannot run away from rotten eggs how then can he commit himself the law will not ber abused whilst he is giving a safe haven to rotten eggs
Probably MSCE is overated.
IG you are talking as if u dont know how your boys behave. kuvomereza Bill imeneyi pano, mudzayimva kuwawa mukadzatsika pa mpando ononawo believe me or not you will feel pain with this BILL at the end.
Mr Mukhito,
A Malawi alankhula mozama apa. The oppressive Police Bill will KILL yourselves tell your BOSS this. We shall use the same to punish you & you shall curse the day you were born. Ask around – those that brought rubish LAWS, the same LAWS killed them. 1- “Orton Chirwa – for example”. 2- The public media Bill who is crying about it now?.
NOTICE.
My fellow Malawians from the Mulhakho community – can’t you rise up and know that Bingu is brewing you trouble against ALL other races in Malawi? emmulate example of Dr Dzimani Kadzamira who never aligned himself with the elite clan during Kamuzu’s reign. Dzimani Kadzamira is earning respect bcoz of that, though Kangwazi aka has replaced him with his fellow Lhomwe.
Here is a testimony of the last remnant of freedom for Malawians. When this bill is enacted, those Malawians who are old enough will experience a case of déjà vu. This bill will soon be followed by the resurrection of a special-branch-like task-force.
This present administration is undoing what the peaceful democratic freedom fighters achieved in our country. This bill will re-introduce the draconian laws of the past. This law will enable a partisan Police force to violate the rights and freedoms of any peace-loving Malawian who may wish to exercise his or her birth-right. This will spell the end of any criticism to the regime of the day. This law is a gag order to any person, group, community, society, opposition party or activist in Malawi.
When this is law is executed, all Malawians will become slaves to the regime and the leader will become the absolute overload.
Correction: Overlord not overload. However, overload also makes a point, as we are becoming overloaded with a burden by our dear leader.
What goes around surely comes around…today for me tomorrow for you…let him assent it…the clock is ticking dangerously towards 2014!
Mukhito Mukhito ndikuti Mukhito tell your Mulanje Thyolo Limited (MTL) chairperson that this BILL will not be AMENDED unless you and your chairperson dance to the TUNE of MBWIZA or pay for your EVIL. This world its like a mirror when you face at it, it flickers back unto YOU. Kodi ndati zimanjanja izi. Unless you convince me that Malawians are blind (except the opposition (MP’s)). Of course we know your plans are to seizure people in the name of LAW but come 2014 we will not give you that chance to escape from this country, TIZATHANATU……Kodi palibetu wamuyaya.