Finally, some housekeeping in MPS

This week, the Malawi Police Service (MPS) swung the disciplinary axe and cut out over 100 rotten apples from the service. A memo from Evalista Mvula Chisale, police commissioner responsible for Human Resource Management and Development, indicates that the officers were either dismissed, demoted or formally reprimanded for offences such as absenteeism, drunkenness on duty, negligence, disobedience of orders, abandoning posts, allowing suspects to escape, leaking sensitive information and dressing like market vendors. These and other offences definitely undermine the authority of the police badge.

The memo further stated that the culprits have 14 days to appeal if they are dissatisfied with the decisions, while controlling officers across MPS were directed to ensure that the punishments stick. Now, for years, Malawians have complained about police misconduct, yet some leaders in the past deliberately turned a blind eye. And credit must go where it is due.

Under President Peter Mutharika, his Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhitho, Police Inspector General Richard Luhanga and their teams, MPS finally appears to have grown a spine. Of course, even today, MPS often faces public ridicule for previously shielding rotten eggs instead of cracking them. One can only hope that this bold disciplinary action marks the beginning of genuine reform and a clear sign that the service is very serious about discipline, accountability and restoring public trust.

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I say this because for decades, the Malawi Government and some donors have poured billions of kwacha into police training, equipment and technical support, hoping to mould the once notorious police force into a professional and reliable institution. However, misconduct often persisted, leaving the public frustrated. But let’s be honest.

Disciplinary measures alone will not solve all the problems facing MPS. Real reform demands consistency, visionary leadership and the courage to enforce rules even when it is uncomfortable. And this week, we finally saw the first signs of that.

Which brings me to the thorny issue of beggars in uniform. Not long ago, a senior officer at Area 30 begged’ us, the citizens, to stay vigilant and help MPS root out rot. He was referring to officers who graduate from police training, but end up roaming our roads and airports, asking for leftover change while wearing the badge they were sworn to honour.

Of course, he didn’t directly accuse anyone of corruption, but he cleverly shifted the burden to the citizenry to help spot and report these troublemakers as if we had become undercover auditors in a service that has itself become the breeding ground for shame. I am certain that MPS, the Independent Complaints Commission and other oversight bodies are already in possession of numerous complaints regarding police conduct, and gradually, progress will be made. But citizens should not have to play watchdog for a system that is meant to police itself.

There was a time when officers of the Malawi Police Service symbolised service, order, dignity and authority. Today, however, very few seem to embody that legacy as many trade their integrity piece by piece for a few dirty banknotes, abandoning the very oath they swore to uphold. Nevertheless, I believe there is a way forward.

MPS can build on this momentum by strengthening internal accountability, taking firm and consistent action against officers found committing dismissible offences, and improving anonymous reporting systems that allow citizens to report misconduct without fear. Government, too, must play its part. Better salaries for police officers and civil servants in general should be taken seriously because fair remuneration reduces temptation. Then there are decent working conditions, realistic incentives and clear professional standards which are equally essential if the service is to regain credibility and public trust.

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