District Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba North, Edward Chisanga has expressed concern over alleged reports from community members that some police units in the district mistreat clients who report Gender Based Violence (GBV) related complaints.
Speaking recently during District Child Protection Committee meeting (DCPC) for Mzimba North, Chisanga said his office has received reports alleging that some police officers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fail to protect some victims of GBV.
“I have received reports in my office saying some police officers and NGOs advise the victims to discuss issues which are criminal in nature amongst themselves,” said Chisanga.
He said the malpractice is one of the factors which make people take the law into their hands when such matters arise.
According to Chisanga defilement and rape cases are criminal in nature and are not supposed to be discussed at household or community level but should be taken to court through the police.
Commenting on the matter, Community Policing Coordinator for Mzuzu Police Station, Inspector Adson Mapanga, advised the victims that when they feel they have not been assisted by police officers, they should report to the officer-in-charge at the police station.
“We have a toll free line on 990 through which those living within Mzuzu City can call and report criminal offences and will get an immediate response. We also have a toll free number on 997 which can also be used to relay information to police,” Mapanga said.