By James Ngalande
Inkosi Chiwere of Dowa has appealed to the community in the district to refrain from smashing government infrastructure, specifically police units in the country.
He made the appeal at Chezi Police Unit where business tycoon, Yona Kanjiwa handed over a house to Chezi Police Unit worth over MK7.3 million.
The Ngoni Chief said communities should desist from torching down police units in the country when there are disagreements between the two parties.
“The security of the community is guaranteed when there are police in that area, therefore, if we set fire or vandalise their offices, the security of the area will beendangered,” the Chief said.
In her remarks,Central Region Acting Police Commissioner, Evalista Chisale said police appreciate the role communities in Dowa,especially at Chezi Trading Centre play in ensuring that the district is crime-free.
“We appreciate the support rendered by the community to the police in the district. Today we are witnessing the handing over of the house to Chezi Police Unit constructed by community members.
“This is a rare opportunity for the community to support the police. Let me thank Yona Kanjiwa for constructing this magnificent house which will accommodate the Officer-In charge for Chezi Police Unit who was renting the house within the locality. This is really recommendable,” she said.
Chisale, however,advised the community not to take the law into their own hands by vandalising the police unit’s and officers’ houses, saying the behaviour jeopardises the security of the area.
On his part, Chezi- based businessman, Yona Kanjiwa said the donation of the house was part of the appreciation to police in ensuring that the area is crime-free.
“Police officers at Chezi Police Unit work day and night ensuring that the area is crime-free, therefore, I constructed the house as one way of motivating them and also appreciating their everyday work towards the security of the area,” he said.
Yona was also quick to advise fellow community members to maintain good relationship with the police and take care of the police property.
Chezi Police Unit was opened in 2007 and is operating in two traditional authorities of Chiwere and Mkukula.
The police unit has been without police officers’ houses since its establishment.