Residents in Mzimba are getting a rare chance to question police officers face to face, a move that is earning praise for bringing accountability closer to the people.
The praise came on Thursday during a community engagement meeting organised by Mzimba Police Station, where traditional leaders, local authorities, residents and other stakeholders openly discussed police conduct, law enforcement services and security challenges affecting the district.
Speaking during the meeting, several community members described the initiative as a positive step towards strengthening trust between the police and the public, saying it has provided ordinary citizens with a rare opportunity to engage directly with law enforcement officers on issues affecting their communities.
Officer in Charge for Mzimba Police Station, Deputy Commissioner Owen Maganga, said community engagement remains one of the most effective tools for preventing and combating crime.
He said maintaining peace and security requires strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
“Police cannot effectively fight crime alone. We need the support, cooperation, and trust of community members. Through such engagements, we are able to hear directly from the people, understand their concerns, and work together to find lasting solutions to security challenges,” said Maganga.
He explained that the meeting was specifically designed to provide a platform for community members to openly share their views on police operations, raise concerns affecting their communities, and identify areas requiring improvement.
Maganga said community policing initiatives have proven effective in enhancing crime prevention because they encourage information sharing and strengthen relationships between the police and local residents.
During the interactive session, participants raised several concerns relating to law enforcement and the justice system.
Among them was Group Village Head Julius Mbale, who expressed concern over the prolonged remand periods faced by many suspects awaiting trial.
Mbale attributed the delays largely to a shortage of magistrates, saying the situation often results in suspects spending extended periods in custody before their cases are heard.
“The shortage of magistrates is affecting the timely delivery of justice. Some suspects remain on remand for extended periods, which raises concerns among community members,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, Member of Parliament for Mzimba Perekezi Constituency, Fikani Nyirenda, acknowledged the challenges facing the justice system and assured participants that efforts would be made to address the issue.
Nyirenda pledged to engage the Minister of Justice on the need to increase the number of magistrates serving at the Mzimba Magistrate’s Court to improve case management and reduce delays in the delivery of justice.
He said adequate staffing within the judiciary is critical to ensuring that justice is delivered efficiently and fairly.
Community members welcomed the commitment and expressed hope that the concerns raised during the meeting would translate into tangible action.
Several participants also called for the continuation of similar engagement forums, arguing that regular dialogue between citizens and law enforcement agencies can help address misunderstandings, improve service delivery, and strengthen public confidence in the police.
