The meeting attracted chairperson from community policing forums, community prevention panels, community policing committees and representatives from business people, government departments, non-governmental departments, disabled, community, and religious leaders in the district.

The function took place at Mangochi Town Council conference room on July 16, 2020.

Addressing the gathering, the Officer-In-Charge for Mangochi Police Station Dr. Joseph Mutupha, A.C.P who happened to be the guest of honour said that one police officer serves 3523 people against the United Nations recommended standard of one police officer to 400 people, hence the need of community policing members to fill the gap.

"It is my expectation that each and every community policing committee is going to be active," said Dr. Joseph Mutupha.

He also told the community that police that practice proactive approach is the best police since it serves resources that could be used to investigate, arrest, and prosecute offenders.

In his turn, Eastern Region Executive Committee Chairperson Dan Phiri asked community policing members to act as a bridge between police and the general public in as far as the flow of information is concerned.

"I thank you for accepting the voluntary job of providing peace in your respective areas despite all challenges you are facing," said Mr. Dan Phiri.

He advised them to avoid enforcing the law and at the same time breaking the same law.

He also enlightened members of the importance of resource mobilization, discipline, non-partisan, team spirit as well as women participation.

"I plea Mangochi police station to enhance in building capacity of community policing members in the district," narrated Mr. Dan Phiri.

On COVID19 Mangochi District Hospital infection, prevention and control coordinator Mr. Symon Mulewa said that Co stands for corona, vi stands for virus, d stands for disease whilst 19 stands for 2019.

On preventive measures, he advised the community to wash hands with soap regularly, observe social distance, wear personal protective equipment, manage waste, clean surroundings, coughing etiquette, and isolation of infected patients.

On crime management, bi-annual report station research and planning officer Inspector Chimwemwe Kulankwa said that from January to June 2020 Mangochi police registered 1232 cases compared to 953 cases registered same period in 2019 depicting 29% increase.

Common cases registered were breakings 69 in 2020 compared to 56 in 2019 depicting 23% increase, defilement 48 in 2020 compared to 35 in 2019 depicting a 37% increase.

On traffic management bi-annual report shows 75 road accidents were registered compared to 77 road accidents in 2019 depicting a 3% decrease.

Out of these 24 fatal road accidents were registered in 2020 compared to 34 fatal road accidents registered in 2019 depicting 33% decrease, 27 serious road accidents were registered in 2020 compared to 20 serious road accidents registered in 2019 depicting 35% increase whilst 21 minor road accidents were registered in 2020 compared to 18 minor road accidents registered in 2019 depicting 17% increase.

On prosecution, 664 cases were brought before the court in 2020 compared to 175 cases registered same period in 2019, and out of these 432 cases were completed in 2020 compared to 140 cases completed in 2019.

Some of the contributing factors on crime management were unemployment and pardoned prisoners due to COVID19 pandemic whilst some of the contributing factors on road accidents were over speeding, failing to observe traffic rules and regulations, and use of unroadworthy motor vehicles.

It was also discovered that teenagers were in the forefront in as far as commission of crime is concerned.

By  lnspector Rodrick Maida
     Public relations officer
     Mangochi police station