The Commissioner of Police for the Eastern Region, Chikondi Cham’bwinja Mkwate Chingadza, has urged stakeholders to work together to strengthen security and reduce crime in the region.
Cham’bwinja made the call on Tuesday during a bi-annual regional executive committee meeting at Zomba Police College, attended by representatives from political parties.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in promoting security, citing that the police cannot manage alone and require the support of other parties.
She revealed that the crime rate in the region has remained stagnant in the first half of 2025, neither increasing nor decreasing compared to the same period last year.
To address this, Cham’bwinja advised police in the region to increase patrols and visibility in crime-prone areas to deter perpetrators and reduce crime rates.
“During the first six months of 2025, we have done well in crime management, but I’m not impressed because we haven’t reduced crimes or increased safety. This means we’re at the same level as last year. We’ll put measures in place to ensure crime rates are reduced by the end of this year. Let’s join hands, all stakeholders, to reduce crime in the region,” she said.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Cham’bwinja assured that the police in the Eastern Region are ready to discharge their duties professionally, ensuring the protection of all citizens.
She also warned political leaders against mobilizing youths to incite violence during the campaign period or after the elections, stating that the police will arrest anyone involved in violence, regardless of their political affiliation.
“We ask political parties to be drivers of peace and unity during this campaign period and after the elections. No political party is above the law, and if anyone is found inciting violence, we’ll act accordingly,” Cham’bwinja added.
Ephron Mvarajembe Mphande, a community policing representative, echoed Cham’bwinja’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of stakeholders working together to ensure a safe and protected environment.
He noted that the police sometimes face challenges in discharging their duties due to limited resources and appealed to other stakeholders with the potential to help address these challenges.
Senior Group Village Headman Chikanda praised the police in the region for their tireless efforts to reduce crime, saying communities are ready to support the police in their daily endeavors.
He assured that communities are committed to providing security, emphasizing that it’s their responsibility to tip off the police about any suspicious activity in their localities.
