Mangochi Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Mr Ulemu Kalua, Deputy Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, saying those involved in such lawlessness acts will not go unpunished.
Kalua made the remarks on Tuesday during a press briefing with journalists from various media houses at Mangochi Police Station, following the recent conviction and sentencing of seven family members to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour each for vandalising Chilipa Police Unit.
Kalua emphasised that Police will not allow anyone involved in mob justice or other acts of violence to walk free.
“People are usually carried away by the crowd, thinking that the police will never identify them. But they should know that after the crowd disperses, we begin investigations and arrest those involved one by one from their homes and communities,” said Kalua.
He explained that taking the law into one’s own hands puts innocent lives at risk, leads to the destruction of property, and can result in innocent people being wrongly accused or harmed.
Kalua further warned that such acts jeopardize crucial evidence that could assist investigations and prosecution, while offenders may end up receiving punishment beyond what they would have faced for the actual offence.
Kalua further appealed to all stakeholders to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in educating communities about the dangers and consequences of mob justice.
He said Mangochi Police, through its Public Relations Office and Community Policing Branch, is already conducting awareness campaigns in communities to discourage people from taking the law into their own hands.
Kalua, however, appealed to people in Mangochi and beyond to report any grievances or criminal matters to relevant law enforcement agencies and allow justice to take its course instead of resorting to violence.
lnspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website:www.police.gov.mw