Malawi media and MPS to mend fences

The Malawian Police Service has accused the media of capitalising on the mistakes the police commit in order to generate stories that tarnish its image. The media, however, have been complaining that the police have been abusing its powers by arresting journalists doing their jobs as well as for holding onto certain information.

Malawi's deputy commissioner of police for the north, Nelson Bophani said the police can achieve professionalism if the media partner with them in promoting the creation of a safe and secure Malawi.

“However this could only be achieved if the media refrain from condemning the wrongs that the police commit while paying a blind eye to their victories,” he said during one of the training sessions between the police and media practitioners organised by the National Media Council of Southern Africa (NAMISA).

NAMISA national governing council member, Sara Munthali said a favourable police-media relationship is critical to the production of stories and reports that present positive images of the police service.

“Police authorities have to ensure that the image of the whole police is not unnecessarily tarnished by mistakes of individual officers who sometimes get excited and operate outside their mandate,” said Munthali.