In a blatant display of insubordination, the Eastern Region Police Headquarters in Zomba, housed in antiquated colonial premises, has brazenly defied the Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma’s order who upon inspecting the outdated and health-threatening facilities, the minister ordered an immediate relocation, deeming the current location unfit.
Despite the minister’s directive issued in September, providing a generous three-month window for compliance, the police have obstinately refused to vacate. Furthermore, Minister Ng’oma mandated the police to collaborate with the University of Malawi to secure a temporary space within its premises for relocation.
Police spokesperson for the eastern region, Superintendent Patrick Mussa, shifted the responsibility to the Ministry of Homeland, while ministry spokesperson Peter Botha deferred responses to a later questionnaire.
Vice registrar of UNIMA responsible for communication, Alfred Banda, disclaimed any knowledge of the police’s intent to seek refuge on university grounds. He added that even if such a request were made, the university lacks available space for accommodation. The Eastern Region police headquarters, a relic from the colonial era, remains in blatant disregard of the minister’s directive.
