By Staff Reporter
Human rights lawyer Charles Dokera has called for an urgent investigation into allegations that police officers stationed at Chisinga Police Station in Kasungu District are extorting money from tobacco traders and farmers through what he describes as fabricated criminal charges.Malawi Police Named On Top List Of Corrupt Institution
In a formal complaint addressed to the Officer-in-Charge of Chisinga Police Station and the Commissioner responsible for the Eastern Central Region, Dokera alleges that the officers have been using their positions of authority, police uniforms and firearms to intimidate business people transporting tobacco to market.Why Are Traffic Police Officers So Corrupt?
According to the complaint, the suspected officers allegedly demand payments ranging from K300,000 to K1 million from traders and farmers in exchange for avoiding arrest or prosecution.
Dokera has identified the officers named in the complaint as Kuwani, Chikafa and Baison, urging the Malawi Police Service to launch an immediate and impartial investigation into the allegations. He argues that if the claims are substantiated, victims should be refunded the money allegedly taken from them, while those responsible should face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.Malawians Rate Malawi Police Service Poor And Corrupt
He says the alleged conduct not only violates the rights of citizens but also risks undermining public confidence in the Malawi Police Service at a time when trust between law enforcement agencies and communities is essential.
When contacted for comment, Eastern Region Police spokesperson Esther Mkwanda said she was unable to respond to the allegations because she had not yet received the complaint letter.Police Officers Corrupt Due To Overstay At The Station
The Malawi Police Service has therefore not yet commented on the substance of the allegations, and the claims remain unverified pending an official investigation.
Leave a Reply