Mangochi Police Station has bemoaned an increase in crime in the just ended year which is a negative development in policing.
According to 2020 crime report, there has been a 5 percent increase in overall crime in the just ended year.
In the year 2019, a total of 2,172 criminal cases were recorded while in 2020 the station registered 2,280 cases. For example in 2019 the station recorded 82 cases of robbery while in 2020 the figure rose to 129.
On sexual offences, the statistics shows an influx on sexual offences. In 2019 only 55 cases of defilement were registered compared to 98 which were reported last year alone.
Police findings have revealed that some deep-rooted cultural practices and beliefs remain among contributing factors of an upsurge in defilement cases.
The figures have increased despite efforts by the police and other stakeholders like Social Welfare, Yoneco and World Vision which are aimed at keeping the girl child safe from all kinds of abuse.
Covid-19 has also been identified as another accelerator of defilement cases as children were not in school for a considerable period of time.
Despite challenges in curbing other offences, the police successfully recovered some of stolen items, arrested criminals and many of them were given stiffer penalties in courts and are serving jail terms.
The station is confident and geared to reduce crime as the convictions and imprisonments have played a big role in advocating against crime.
Out of the registered cases, 1,047 cases have been completed in court and the perpetrators are serving their jail terms.
On road accidents, in 2019 Mangochi Police Station registered 185 road accidents and 55 people were reported dead while in the just ended year 69 people lost their lives out of 215 road accidents.
Police is assuring the public that they will continue with intensive day and night patrols, police visibility, border patrols, road safety awareness through the media especially community radios in the district and most importantly the good relationship between the police and members of the general public to ease policing.
Therefore the police wishes to extend their gratitude to all stakeholders and members of the general public for their support in fighting against crime.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Deputy Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
E-mail:mamateps1152@gmail.com