People around Bereu in Traditional Authority (T/A) Maseya in Chikwawa District have asked duty-bearers to open a police unit structure constructed eight years ago.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, group village head Sande said there was security lapse in the area.

He said: “Livestock theft is rampant in the area. Again, thieves steal farm produce, which increases the risk of hunger.

“We ask duty-bearers to open the facility because I am not pleased that it is being used to accommodate flood survivors.”

Bereu Police Unit yet to start operating

Community member Titus Banda said the presence of police officers will restore order in the area, saying on Tuesday, a mob killed a cattle rustler.

Lengwe Ward councillor Gerald Bede wondered why the police were delaying to deploy their officers to the unit despite being asked to do so.

Chikwawa Central legislator Salim Bagus blamed Chikwawa Police Station for delaying to deploy officers to the facility.

But Chikwawa Police Station officer-in-charge Caroline Jere said her office has no problem with opening Bereu Police Unit if all facilities are ready.

She said: “If the community is ready with structures such as office and houses for our officers, we will deploy them.

“Remember police was established under Section 152 of the Constitution to protect people and their property, according to Section 153; hence, the need to protect people and property of people of Bereu will compel us to deploy officers.”

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