Over 100 police officers died in 2012, says IG Dzonzi

Police Inspector General Lot Dzonzi says the death of over 100 officers in 2012 alone was a “huge setback” to the internal security system.

Dzonzi said this during the end-of-year ball when he hosted senior officers and others at the Police Headquarters at Area 30 in Lilongwe.

The police chief disclosed that a total of 103 police officers died due to a variety of causes in 2012 alone, a development he said was sad.

“This is a tragedy for the police. You cannot replace their experience and skills.

“Discipline is also about the care we provide for families. Let us protect our families from the dangers of HIV and Aids,” he advised.

He observed that the majority of the dead police officers were young and had served the Malawi Police Service for less than 10 years.

Dzonzi said this was a significant setback as 80 percent of the officers were aged below 35.

However, the IG observed that the MPS had this time around recorded a crime reduction by 9 percent as of 30th November last year.

“Although figures show that we have registered a reduction in rape and defilement cases,…a lot of work still needs to be done. The defilement of girls is an unacceptable phenomenon that we need to fight earnestly,” he added.

He, however, noted existing challenges in tackling some crimes such as robberies, murders and house breaking.