Police in Zomba police have expressed concern over the increase in crime rate of 7.5 percent between 2017 and 2018 in the district.

This was revealed during an interface meeting organised by Zomba Police to analyze their efforts in ending crimes and challenges facing them.

Eastern Region Police Commissioner, Martha Suwedi  said the rise is due to the release of habitual prisoners at Zomba Maximum Prison who were roaming in the streets.

“The prisoners were released in December last year under a project called kafamtayeni a project coordinated by the government of Malawi in coordination with the Norwegian Government and Malawi Prison,” Suwedi said.

Suwedi assured Zomba residents that the police will do its best to work with different stakeholders in dealing with crime in both Zomba city and rural areas.

The Commissioner acknowledged the gruesome murder of albinos in the region and vowed to strengthen their efforts and a serious approach in the matter.

“As the Commissioner in  Eastern region I know the recent murder of MacDonald Masambuka which one of our policeman is alleged to have taken part has dented the image of police in Eastern region but he will be charged as an ordinary human being and not as a police officer” she said.