‘Don’t bribe us for bail, its free’ – Police
In an effort to enhance its public image, the Malawi Police Service has appealed to members of the general public to avoid bribing Police Officers in order to be granted bail saying Police bail is free.
The Police has since urged whistle blowers to report to the Police hierarchy or the country’s graft busting body, the Anti Corruption Bureau, Cop who demands a bribe in order to release a suspect on Police bail.
Nkhunga Police Station General Duties Officer Superintendent Bernard Kapakasa made the appeal during a community policing meeting held at Dwambadzi Community Day Secondary School.
Kapakasa said that time has come for Malawians to treasure Police services saying without security Malawi cannot enjoy meaningful developments.
The Police in Malawi is seen as one of the most corrupt sector in Malawi, according to 2011 Transparency International’s survey dubbed ‘Daily Lives and Corruption: Public Opinion in Southern Africa’
“People’s experiences supported their experiences with six out of ten Malawians reporting paying bribes to Police more than any other institution,” the report noted
Group Village Headman Kamphambale said people appreciate Police work in curbing crime adding that is why people in his area volunteer for community policing activities to ensure that communities are safe and crime free.
Malawi’s Corrupt Practices Act (section 51A) provides for protection of whistle blowers who only provide information to the Anti Corruption Bureau.
