* Plans intensive foot and vehicle patrols during the day and night, with officers deployed at strategic points in busy areas
* Particularly in all four trouble corners including M’baluku, Market Square, Mankhwala and Soko areas
By Duncan Mlanjira
Police in Mangochi District are appealing to the public to strictly adhere to safety measures when visiting beaches and other recreational areas along Lake Malawi during the festive season.
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A statement from public relations officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi takes cognizance that Christmas and New Year festive period attracts large numbers of people to the district for leisure and celebrations — and as part of preparations for the season, the Police Station has put in place comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the people and their property.
“Mangochi Police have thus planned intensive foot and vehicle patrols during the day and night, with officers deployed at strategic points in busy areas, particularly in all four corners including M’baluku, Market Square, Mankhwala and Soko areas,”says Inspector Daudi.
“In addition, the police will conduct joint patrols with Community Policing Forums to strengthen cooperation between the police and the community. In addition there will also be adhoc roadblocks and intensified traffic checks at all times across major roads, to promote road safety and curb traffic-related offences.”
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Mangochi Police further assures the public that “a rapid response team has been established to ensure quick and effective response to emergencies and reported incidents throughout the festive period”.
“Detectives will carry out intelligence-driven operations targeting crime hotspots and individuals suspected to be involved in criminal activities.”
She also indicated that they have already started engaging with hospitality service providers, business operators and the general public on sensitisation and awareness campaigns, focusing on crime prevention and safety throughout the season.
“The general public is, therefore, reminded to adhere to road safety measures by avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, wearing seatbelts, avoiding over-speeding, overloading, and driving unroadworthy motor vehicles, as these are among the major causes of road traffic accidents.
“Parents and guardians are also urged to take responsibility for their children by preventing them from loitering or attending parties at odd hours, a situation that often exposes children especially girls to abuse during this period.”
“The Station has also placed special emphasis on the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), which tends to increase during the festive season. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to resolve disputes peacefully, refrain from harmful behaviour, and promptly report any cases of domestic or gender-based violence to the police.”
The statement concludes by warning the public “against infringing upon the rights of others, and anyone found violating the law will be dealt with accordingly”.
Meanwhile, Inspector Daudi also reports that Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, December 18, convicted and sentenced 30-year-old John Labana to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour for vandalising and stealing Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM) cables in Mawiriga location of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mponda.
John Labana, from M’doka Village, T/A Mponda soon after being arrested
She reports that the court heard through State Prosecutor, Inspector Ted Namaona that on December 9, 2025, at around 02h00, residents of Mawiriga Village in the Katema area intercepted Labana and his accomplices who were riding a motorcycle while transporting a wooden basket.
“Upon being questioned, the accomplices ran away, leaving Labana behind,” says Daudi. “The convict initially claimed that he was transporting mangoes to Mangochi Boma Market. However, a search of the basket revealed 226 pieces of two-span ORK 240mm aluminium conductor ESCOM cables.
“In court, Labana pleaded guilty and asked for leniency, citing family obligations. However, prosecutor Namaona submitted that the vandalised cables supply electricity to Katema, Chilipa, and Phirilongwe Health Centres, and that the offence caused a blackout which put patients’ lives at risk.
“He, therefore, prayed for a custodial sentence and in his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state submission — and thus sentenced Labana to five years imprisonment with hard labour to deter others.
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