Karonga Police Station officer-in-charge Edwin Mnkhambo has asked people to trust the police by reporting various criminal activities.

The call follows increased reports of mob justice as some community members perceive reporting crime to police as not helpful.

Speaking on Wednesday after police officers held a solidarity march from Ipyana to Karonga Boma, Mnkhambo said the march sought to restore the community’s trust.

He said: “During the march, we carried placards to convey a message of hope to the community that police officers are there for maximum security and various services.

“We want them to have trust in their police and we urge them to report any crime, including theft, smuggling of goods and harbouring of illegal immigrants so that we have a safe and conducive environment for businesses.”

Mnkhambo also urged people to desist from mob justice and theft of motorcycles as well as killing of motorcycle operators.

“We will intensify patrols and community policing meetings to reduce crime and road accidents,” he said.

Karonga Police Station community policing coordinator Alex Sapuwa said violence, robberies and murder cases have declined.

“We continue to engage people through various platforms and conducting parades such as this one. Therefore, we ask people to cooperate with community policing members and police officersto create a secure district,” he said.

On the other hand, the community commended the police for the parade.

Karonga Business Community representative Golden Gowa Nyasulu while commending the police for their unwavering efforts to end crime, urged the law enforcers to accelerate their efforts to fight crime and thwart illegal entry.

He said: “The police officers did well to march because the act will help to restore people’s confidence in them.

 “The police should respond positively when the business community and residents report crimes to them,” he said.

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