By Daniel Zimba:
As Malawi prepares for the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections, the Malawi Police Service (MPS) has publicly acknowledged that it is understaffed by about 3,250 officers.
MPS Director of Prosecutions Levison Mangani was, however, quick to tell delegates to the Public Affairs Committee (Pac) All-Inclusive Conference held in Blantyre that they hope to be covered by their sister security agents, namely the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Prison Service and Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services during the administration of the elections.
Mangani disclosed this in a presentation he made at the conference.
He was quick to say MPS was making strides to ensure the provision of maximum security during the September 16 general elections, hence the shortfall should not worry stakeholders as the polls approach.
He then listed a number of interventions MPS was implementing in preparation for the polls, including the establishment of an internal electoral security taskforce and a joint security team.
He also cited the identification of crime hotspots, the training of about 6,000 police officers in 2024 and the inclusion of electoral security modules in the police training programme.
On her part, Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu assured stakeholders on the issue of security, saying they were guaranteeing maximum security.
Yolamu said police service remained committed to ensuring maximum security despite the shortfall, saying the engagement of officers from other security agencies would help provide checks and balances, hence no need to worry.
“Despite the shortfall, we are very prepared for the elections and the critical part, in terms of preparations, is our interactions and collaboration with our sister security agencies. So, there is no need for Malawians to panic,” Yolamu said.
During the conference, Human Rights Defenders Coalition Chairperson Gift Trapence raised concern over alleged favouritism by police officers in handling cases of violence involving notable political figures.
“When is the police going to start arresting political perpetrators of violence? We have reports that, in some instances, you [Police] do not arrest perpetrators, especially when they are political, even when you actually know them,” Trapence said.
Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives Executive Director Silvester Namiwa stressed “the need for transparency regarding ongoing investigations into cases of political violence”.
He underscored the need for the police to maintain credibility and public trust, especially given the looming elections, warning that failure to address crucial issues could be detrimental to the electoral process.
While some participants voiced scepticism regarding the police’s operational efficacy, governing Malawi Congress Party spokesperson Jessy Kabwila acknowledged MPS’ security enhancement initiatives.
However, Kabwila echoed the call for further vigilance and thorough investigations into cases of
