By Chilungamo Missi:
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has challenged Malawi Police Service (MPS) to embrace technology in its work as technological advancement is opening wider doors to cybercrimes.
MACRA Director General, Daud Suleiman made the remarks in Blantyre on Thursday during the opening of a two day Public Relations workshop which the regulatory body has organized for MPS Public Relations Officers (PROs) in the southern region under the theme Policing in the digital era.
Suleiman said the consumption of digital goods has become the order of the day as technology is creating innovations which are bringing in a new way of doing things including crime.
“The world has moved from manual to digital operations, therefore, it is very important that as law enforcers you become fully aware and prepared to handle how you can report issues to do with crimes in this digital era.
“We should begin to embrace technology in our work to ensure that we create a safer and secure Malawi that boosts the confidence of the citizens whenever they touch a mobile phone as issues of mobile money fraud are on the rise,” said Suleiman.
He disclosed that almost K120 million is lost monthly due to mobile money fraud, a development which threatens to create a big gap in the countrys digital penetration if not stopped.
Inspector General of Police, Merlyne Yolamu acknowledged that MPS has a huge knowledge gap among most of its officers including PROs owing to the changing environment which requires them to constantly update themselves.
She said: “We have in house trainings arranged now and again, however, they are not enough as we have a huge workforce and resources are limited. This is why we are very thankful when stakeholders such as MACRA partner with us.”
She, therefore, urged all participants to take the workshop seriously as the knowledge and skills gained will improve professionalism in the PROs, the service and country.
