The Malawi Police Service (MPS) is pushing to rebuild its Air Wing with modern aircraft after years of operating without a functional helicopter.
The police helicopter has been grounded at Mtakataka Air Wing in Dedza for several years after developing mechanical faults, leaving the service without an aircraft for search and rescue, surveillance and other security operations.
But, National Police Spokesperson Lael Chimtembo has told the local media that the service is now working on plans to acquire modern aircraft while also evaluating whether repairing the grounded helicopter would be worth the cost.
“We are also looking at the cost of rehabilitating this grounded helicopter and we do not want the rehabilitation cost to exceed its operational value,” said Chimtembo.
He said the police have already started preparing for the revival of the Air Wing by investing in human capital.
According to Chimtembo, several officers were sent for local aircraft operation and maintenance training on January 12 this year and are currently undergoing the programme.
If the plans succeed, the revived Air Wing is expected to boost police operations by improving surveillance, search and rescue missions and rapid response to security incidents across the country.
