Homeland Security Ministry prohibits the public from wearing security entities’ regalia

A man arrested recently in Limbe impersonating as MDF soldiers and fleecing people of over K500,000

* Minister Ching’oma stresses that the unauthorised sell or use of security entities regalia poses significant security risks

* It also undermines the integrity of security in Malawi as other people with ill intentions will take advantage of the situation to commit violent crime

By Duncan Mlanjira

The Ministry of Homeland Affairs maintains that the law prohibits any person who is not serving in national security entities from wearing in public uniforms of any part of the national security agencies or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other marks of such uniform.

In a statement issued today by Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma indicates that it has been noted that there is an increasing number of members of private security companies, political parties’ security cadres, politicians and members of the public, who are wearing security uniforms that are “preserve” of the national security agencies.

The colours are resembling those for national security entities of the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Malawi Prison Service and Immigration & Citizenship Services — and Ching’oma stresses that the “unauthorised sell or use of security entities regalia poses significant security risks”.

The Minister further says it also “undermines the integrity of security in Malawi as other people with ill intentions will take advantage of the situation to commit violent crime and thereby cause havoc to the communities at large”.

The Minister, thus orders that “with immediate effect”, the public is “strictly prohibited from wearing insignia, ranks and dress that resemble security entities’ pattern dress”.

“Failure to comply with this warning will invite seizure of such insignia and legal action to the concerned individuals as the unauthorised sell or use of security entities regalia is an offence and punishable by law.

Early this month, a 33-year-old Mzimba-based man identified as Throase Bandawe was posing as a member of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), whom the police intercepted in full MDF regalia and was arrested.

The media quoted Mzimba police publicist as saying the man was apprehended by MDF soldiers assigned to provide security at a Junior Certificate of Education examination centre after he admitted that he was not an actual soldier.

Bandawe, who hails from the area of Senior Chief Mazengera in Lilongwe, was charged of impersonating a public officer, which is a violation of Section 99 of the Penal Code.

In May, police in Limbe arrested a 24-year-old man named Emmanuel Davie for allegedly defrauding people of approximately K500,000 by posing as MDF soldier.

According to Limbe Police deputy spokesperson, Mulimbika Chibisa, Davie reportedly dressed in military uniform and went around the Bangwe residential community claiming he could help people secure jobs in the MDF, in exchange for money.

Chibisa some members of the community raised the alarm to the police after being suspicions of Davie claiming payment to be assisted in enrolling in the MDF — and following investigations, Limbe Police established that he had no affiliation with the MDF.

Meanwhile, Steven Chibwazi, a well known producer & singer popularly known as Stich Fray, expressed his concern on Facebook that he was being “harassed” by some military officers over the military uniform he was dressed in for his music video.

He explained that his was a “homemade attire that literally looks-a-like the MDF uniform which caught attention of some junior officers”, adding that the costume “was designed and edited to represent the courage and brevity in [him].

“A soldier is someone who is brave and  courageous, he always moves forward no matter how hard the circumstances or the battle may become. We salute you all our soldiers,” he said, stressing that it was all solely for the purpose of shooting the video and never intended to wear in public.

Just after the statement from the Homeland Security Minister, Bright Theu posted on Facebook that he owns “a long sleeve shirt and a pair of shorts in military fatigue” and that according to his knowledge, “they are not and do not resemble the military fatigues of the MDF, MPS, Immigration, or the military forces of another country cooperating with MDF”.

“I got myself these just to quench my craving for the MDF uniform which I highly admire and respect (just like the men and women wearing that uniform), and had sought authorisation to have one for occasional ceremonial moments, but was told it’s not possible at all.

“I was sad — really sad. I still am too this day. That is one uniform I wish I could don with pride as a mark of patriotism even though I had no chance to join the MDF.

Mawa ndivala kit yanga. You are welcome to be my guest”, he seeming joked as he indicated he was “feeling amused”.