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Trust is key to sorting the mess in Karonga
By
Nation - 12-11-2002 |
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There is an appalling attitude that has reared its ugly head again in Karonga. Materials meant for the construction of the Karonga-Chiweta Road have been lost to unscrupulous individuals through theft.
It is ironic that some people in that part of the country who know the importance of that road are so selfish as to derail the progress of the road construction project. That they will be affected in one way or another seems to be of no consequence.
All fair-minded Malawians ought to be worried with this attitude because the Karonga incident may only stand out because of the amounts of money involved. The fact is that such cases are widespread. Our brand of patriotism and sense of belonging to a community is not synonymous with making sure that we protect things that are meant for our common good all.
This ought to change and the police must come strongly and ensure that such elements that threaten the very existence of a viable nation are flushed out and brought to book. To do that the police will need full cooperation of the community concerned. The culprits are, without doubt, coming from within the community and there should be people who can help the police catch those involved.
One notes, however, that such cooperation can only be possible if there is mutual trust between the community and the police. Of late there have been indications that such trust is being eroded because not everyone thinks that the police are serving their interests.
The media is awash with reports of one section of society or another expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the law enforcing arm of government. Such feelings have far-reaching implications when the police need the community as they should in the Karonga case.
The police have an opportunity in Karonga to spruce up their image by proving that they are trustworthy partners for all communities that require their services as a matter of right. They must make the most of it. |
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