Homeland Security Minister Assures Malawians of Tight Security

Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito has assured Malawians that the government remains committed to maintaining peace and strengthening security across the country.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday while responding to questions from Members of Parliament, Mukhito said the country’s security situation remains stable despite isolated criminal incidents.

He told legislators that the government plans to upgrade selected police posts into fully-fledged police stations based on established criteria. He also pledged to strengthen policing by deploying more officers to police posts and stations nationwide.

Mukhito acknowledged concerns over some former inmates returning to crime after their release from prison, saying the issue requires a collective response.

“It is a concern to both the government and the people to see that quite a number of prisoners who are released from prison choose to return to crime. This is an issue that definitely needs to be addressed,” he said.

The minister attributed part of the problem to the stigma many ex-convicts face upon returning to their communities, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into society.

He said the government is equipping inmates with vocational and life skills while they are in prison but emphasized that more needs to be done by providing them with tools and opportunities to earn a living after their release.

Mukhito appealed to communities, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to embrace former inmates and give them a second chance to become productive members of society.

During the parliamentary session, Mzuzu South West MP Frasco Mkandawire urged the government to construct a permanent police post at Luwinga, arguing that the current facility operates from a rented family house, a situation he said compromises security and hampers efforts to combat rising crime in the area.

In response, Mukhito encouraged the legislator to consider using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct a permanent police post for the constituency.