The Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Merlyne Yolamu, has expressed confidence that the Malawi Police Service (MPS) is prepared to ensure security during and after the September 16, 2025, general elections.
Speaking during the belated 2024 End-of-Year and 2025 New Year Senior Officers' party held on January 9, 2025, at the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe, Yolamu praised the dedication of officers, which contributed to a 4% reduction in crime and a 15% drop in road traffic accidents last year. "The most noticeable decrease was in sexual, breaking, and robbery cases. The number of sexual offences registered in 2024 was 1,585, a decrease from 1,899 registered in 2023. There were 9,219 breakings, down from 10,056 in 2023, and 2,072 robberies, from 2,156 of 2023." She stated
However, she highlighted some challenges, including acts of lawlessness that have resulted in the loss of police officers' lives and the vandalism of police facilities. “Mob justice denies justice its course and has, in some cases, led to the brutal killing of innocent citizens, including police officers. I urge communities to value and support our men and women in uniform,” she appealed.
Yolamu also commended the service’s training initiatives, which have equipped officers with skills in leadership, criminal investigations, and electoral law. She revealed that officers had undergone international training to adopt diverse perspectives and best practices.
She urged officers to maintain professionalism and impartiality while emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration with electoral stakeholders. “This is a pivotal year, and the responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process rests heavily on our shoulders,” Yolamu stated.
Additionally, the Police Chief announced the acquisition of a state-of-the-art boat for the Marine Department to enhance operations on Lake Malawi and urged police officers to be mindful about their lifestyle as this also contributes to their perfomance at work. “It would be remiss of me if I don’t remind you officers to practice healthy life practices. Our job demands healthy and physically fit officers. Let us remain loyal to our spouses and stop indulging ourselves in extramarital sexual affairs,” Yolamu concluded.