Traffic police to have gun during on duty

The Malawi police service has directed officers working under the road traffic department to start carrying guns when discharging their duties on the country’s roads.

The directive has been issued in response to a spate of violence by some road users targeting traffic officers.

In a communique issued Tuesday, the MPS has also advised traffic police officers to be accompanied by an armed officer when going for duties.

The communication has further urged all officers to treat the matter with urgency.

In the last few months, violence against traffic officers has been on the increase, a development that has seen some officers suffering injuries at the hands of angry motorists.

Few weeks ago, one officer in Mangochi was hit to death by an angry motorist after he disagreed with the penalty the officer gave him.