The Commissioner of Police responsible for Eastern Region Violet Magwaya has asked traditional leaders in Machinga district to take a leading role in the fight against suicide and mob justice cases.
Commissioner Magwaya said this at a crime prevention meeting held at Traditional Authority Nkula’s headquarters in Machinga on Friday.
She said it is unfortunate that the nation is losing a lot of people through suicide.
“Some of those committing suicide do that because of failure to settle credits, termination of love affairs and unfaithfulness between partners,” said Magwaya.
The Commissioner therefore asked the traditional leaders to take a leading role in sensitizing their subjects against committing suicides when they have challenges.
She said people should seek counseling services from chiefs, faith leaders and Police Victim Support Units which are found at every Police Station.
She added that every problem has an answer and committing suicide is not a solution.
On mob justice, the Commissioner asked the general public not to take the law in their own hands as doing so is against the law and warned that Police will take to book all those perpetrating mob justice.
Magwaya further said mob justice affects police investigations and urged the public to surrender to police all suspected criminals.
In his remarks, Traditional Authority Nkula thanked the regional Police Chief for visiting his area and assured her that he will ensure that the message reaches out to all his subjects.
T/A Nkula said it is really unfortunate that the nation is losing a lot of people due to suicide.
Traditional Authority Nkula while appreciating the cordial relationship which is there between the police and his subjects, complained aboutthe conduct of some magistrates who pass out questionable sentences and said this also fuels mob justice in the country.
During the meeting, issues of motorcycle thefts, witchcraft accusations, defilement and gender-based violence were also discussed.
