* I will reward extra courage and selflessness. Courage and selflessness are essential attributes in policing
* When officers put their lives on the line to protect the public, the Service must stand with them and reward such bravery
* As undercover and overt patrols have been intensified, and the Malawi Police Service will not hesitate to act decisively against anyone threatening public safety
Maravi Express
The Inspector General of Police (IG), Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga, has promoted Sergeant Fred Nkhata to the rank of Sub-Inspector following his bravery during an undercover operation that led to the shooting and arrest of an armed robbery suspect over the weekend at Mbowe in the Capital Lilongwe.
Advertisement
The promotion, automatically effected today, January 12, 2026, recognises exceptional courage and selflessness displayed in the line of duty. The newly- promoted rank is a general duties officer based at City Mall Police Unit.
Together with a detective colleague, who holds the rank of Sub-Inspector as well, they have also received a cash token as the IG’s appreciation.
The two officers, operating undercover, successfully ambushed armed criminals who had been terrorising members of the public around Mbowe and City Mall areas, particularly targeting auto-teller machine (ATM) users.
During the operation, the suspect (name withheld), armed with a knife, attempted to rob the undercover police officer posing as an ATM user — thus the Police officers lawfully used force to neutralise the threat.
The suspect was arrested and is receiving medical treatment, awaiting trial in the Court of law — and in recognition of their outstanding operational performance, the IG invited the two officers to his boardroom at National Police Headquarters, escorted by the Regional Operations Officer for Central West Region, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hanleck Chingolo.
Advertisement
The IG was profoundly pleased with the two officers’ operation commending them for executing a well-coordinated act, saying: “Courage and selflessness are essential attributes in policing.
“When officers put their lives on the line to protect the public, the Service must stand with them and reward such bravery.”
The IG reaffirmed his commitment to recognising gallant officers and intensifying intelligence-led operations to ensure public safety countrywide.
The Malawi Police Service (MPS) thus strongly warns all criminals operating around City Mall, Crossroads and Mbowe in Lilongwe and other areas, including all urban and rural areas countrywide that the net is tightening.
Undercover and overt patrols have been intensified, and the MPS will not hesitate to act decisively against anyone threatening public safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. MPS is committed to professionalism in protecting lives and property.—Reporting by Superintendent Alfred Chimthere Deputy MPS public relations officer (PRO); edited by Maravi Express
Advertisement