The Malawi Police Service is an independent organ of the executive that is mandated by the constitution to protect public safety and the rights of persons in Malawi. The Malawi Police Service is overseen by an Inspector General of Police.
Police Ranks Inspector General Deputy Inspector General Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Assistant Commissioner Senior Superintendent Superintendent Assistant Superintendent Inspector Sub Inspector Sergeant Constable
Inspector General The Inspector General is the head of the Malawi Police Service. The position is appointed by the President of Malawi and confirmed by the National Assembly. The Public Appointments Committee may at any time inquire as to the competence of the person. The Inspector General of Police can only serve for five years in that position. The Inspector General of Police can be removed by the president for being incompetent, incapacitated, compromised, or reaching retirement age. The Inspector General oversees the Malawi Police Service (MPS) under Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Security. The Inspector General is assisted by a Deputy and two commissioners who run the administration and operations respectively. The current Inspector General is remembered for strengthening MPS by establishing two new policing regions, that is, Central East and South East.
Inspector generals: IGP Deputy IGP Years in Office Administration Mr Richard Luhanga Noel Kayira 2025 to Date Peter Mutharika Mrs Merlyne Yolamu Happy Mkandawire 2022 to 2025 Lazarus Chakwera Mr George Kainja Merlyne Yolamu 2020 to 2022 Lazarus Chakwera Mr Duncan Mwapasa xx 2019-2020 Peter Mutharika Mr Rodney Jose xx 2018-2019 Peter Mutharika Dr Lexten Shame Kachama Duncan Mwapasa 2016- 2018 Peter Mutharika Mr Paul Rodrick Kanyama Lexten Kachama 2015- 2016 Peter Mutharika Mr Lot T.P Dzonzi Nelson Bophani 2012–2015 Joyce Banda Mr Peter M Mukhito x 2009 - 2012 Bingu wa Mutharika Mr Oliver Mathews Cedric Kumbambe x2006-2009Bingu wa Mutharika Mrs Mary Nangwale x 2004 - 2006 Bingu wa MutharikaJoseph Ellywn Aironi x 2001-2004 Bakili Muluzi Mr Lawrence Chimwaza x2000-2001Bakili Muluzi Mr Bernard B. Mphinji x2000-2000Bakili Muluzi Mr Kennedy S.M Chirambo x1999-2000Bakili Muluzi Mr Patrick Chikapa x1995-1999Bakili Muluzi Mr Feyani Morrison Chikosa x1994-1995Bakili Muluzi Mcwilliam Lunguzi x 1990-1994 Kamuzu Banda, Bakili Muluzi Mr Milward Gibson Namasani x1988-1990Kamuzu Banda Mr Elliot Fanuel MBedza x1987-1988Kamuzu Banda Mc Lywell Ezron Ngwata x1987-1987Kamuzu Banda Mr John Kamwana x1981-1987Kamuzu Banda
Societal Impact During the Hastings Banda regime the police were involved in suppressing dissent. After the 8 March 1992 pastoral letter: There were public demonstrations in support of the bishops - notably at the University in Blantyre and Zomba, where soldiers indicated their support for the students and deterred violent police action against the protesters. This was the first sign of the army's future political role. In May 1992 student protesters were joined by striking workers in Blantyre. In two days of riots dozens of protesters were killed by armed police and Young Pioneers.Richard Carver, Malawi: Between the Referendum and the Elections, 1 May 1994, accessed April 2021, citing Amnesty International, "Malawi March–July 1992: mass arrests of suspected government opponents", (AI Index: AFR 36/37/92), September 1992.
The capabilities of the Malawi Police Service are growing, but its abilities to deter and investigate crimes, assist victims, and apprehend criminals are extremely limited. The police lack basic equipment (particularly transportation), are poorly funded, and do not receive sufficient training. Public support for the police has continued to drop, due in part to alleged corruption and ineffectiveness in deterring criminal activity.
References
External links Malawi Police Service Website Malawi Constitution - Inspector General of Malawi Police Service Interpol - Malawi