The Masambanjati Police Station in Thyolo has slashed crime by half in the first six months of 2025, but officers say progress is being stifled by a lack of infrastructure, equipment and mobility.

The station, which was upgraded from a formation in 2023, has no dedicated offices for Community Policing and Victim Support Units, no computers, printers or furniture, and inadequate transport for its satellite units at Zoa and Sandama.

Officer-in-Charge, Senior Superintendent George Kaleso, said during a station meeting on Friday that despite the constraints, officers have remained committed.

“We have recorded 119 crime cases between January and June this year, down from 235 in the same period of 2024, representing a 50 percent decrease. Traffic offenses alone have dropped by half. But the lack of office space, mobility and equipment is holding us back,” said Kaleso.

South East Police Regional Executive Committee (REC) Chairperson, Bares Mkandawire, commended the station for the strides made but urged lawmakers to prioritize security funding.

He said they are working to help address the challenges at the police station.

Regional Community Policing Coordinator, Superintendent Dan Sangwa, added that the concerns have already been raised with headquarters.

“We have forwarded all these challenges to our national headquarters. But beyond that, we are also calling on the private sector, including estates around Thyolo, to partner with the police in supporting security operations,” Sangwa explained.

Meanwhile, Senior Chief Nsabwe and Traditional Authority Changata also weighed in, praising officers for the progress while urging the government to act on the logistical gaps.

“Our people are safer today because of the commitment of Masambanjati Police. But to sustain this, government must address the challenges the officers are facing,” the chiefs said in a joint statement

During the meeting, the participants also elected the first Station Executive Committee whose mandate is to oversea all the security matters in the jurisdiction.