By Burnett Munthali
Member of Parliament for Mangochi, Lirian Patel, has expressed profound sadness over the brutal killing of a police officer in Chiponde, Mangochi District. Speaking on the incident, Patel called on traditional leaders to take the lead in fostering positive behavior among people in their communities to prevent such unacceptable acts.
Patel emphasized the vital role of the police in maintaining law and order, stating:
“A nation cannot thrive without law enforcement to ensure peace and security. The unacceptable behavior of attacking police officers must be stopped immediately.”
The legislator also urged the police to remain resolute in their duties and to ensure that all individuals involved in the officer’s death are apprehended and brought to justice:
“The police must not relent in their efforts. Those responsible for this heinous act must be tracked down, arrested, and face justice in court.”
Traditional Authority Bwananyambi’s chief, Nyakwawa Matupa, also expressed sorrow over the tragic event, describing it as a loss not only for the police force but for the entire community. The chief revealed that local traditional leaders are now consulting each other on how to address the matter:
“This incident has brought great sadness to our area. As chiefs, we are discussing practical steps to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”
The slain officer, who was the head of Chiponde Police, was killed yesterday while attempting to resolve a land dispute. Reports indicate that some individuals involved in the dispute attacked him with machetes, leading to his untimely death.
The tragic event has ignited calls for unity and accountability among the people of Mangochi. Both MP Patel and traditional leaders have stressed the need for communities to respect law enforcement and work towards peace and harmony.
As investigations continue, the nation watches closely to see if justice will be served and whether this incident will spark meaningful reforms in community-police relations.