Malawi police officers want bosses out, replaced by apolitical professionals

Days after soldiers at Malawi Defence Force (MDF)  successfully forced President Peter Mutharika to replace General Supuni-Phiri with one of his deputies, incumbent General Nundwe, another security agency, the Malawi Police Service have called for the axing of Inspector General Rodney Joze, his deputy Duncan Mwapasa, and all Commissioners.

Cops at the national police headquarters at Area 30, who spoke to Nyasa Times  said that officers have decided enough is enough and want their position as internal security agents to be respected.

“Our bosses have become agents of the ruling political party and have forsaken us and Malawians for love of money. They have infiltrated our ranks with DPP cadets and turned us into enemies of Malawians and soldiers,” a cop based at the Polic headquarters in Area 30, Lilongwe,  said.

“We want  Inspector General Jose and his deputy Mwapasa who are [operatives of the DPP]  to go. We want all politically appointed Commissioners to be replaced. We are professional but these leaders make us obey political gangsters  rather than professional orders.”

Added another officer: “Our salaries and living conditions are poor. And cadets are preferred given hefty allowances and better lodging at lodges and hotels, and yet we are given just K6 000 and beans and cabbage with very bad rice as lunch packs.

“We are treated badly by our own bosses who offer politically motivated allowances, and our brothers and sisters now don’t want us around.”

The officers say Police is now turned into a wing of the ruling party.

“We want our dignity and respect back,” he said, adding officers have also decided not to bother or offer their full professionalism during this period until Jose, Mwapasa, and the Commissioners are replaced.”

Police Publicist James Kadadzera could not immediately comment.