President Mutharika made the remarks on Thursday during the passing out parade for 1,874 Malawi Police Service recruits at Kanjedza Police Training College in Blantyre.

The President said the passing out of the biggest number of recruits in the country’s history was a step towards enhancing and improving safety and security measures in the country.

“Malawians need to live in safety without fear of crime. No country can be prosperous and free if its people fear for their lives or property. I am therefore pleased that the passing out of these Police recruits today will contribute to enhancing the safety and security of Malawi,” Mutharika said.

“Government is determined to provide adequate safety and security to all persons, property and investments in the country for the enhancement of sustainable national development,” he said.

He said the government has put in place a number of reforms aiming at equipping the Malawi Police Service citing recruitment of 10,000 officers, improving their welfare and working conditions.

“Government has increase funding to the Police Service for smooth operations. We plan to recruit and train at least 10, 000 more police officers to conform to the United Nations guidelines for policing which is one police officer to 500 civilians. At the moment, the police civilian ratio is 1 to 1,300 civilians. Government is also working on improving issues of transport, office accommodation but also housing for the officers. We are also already in the process of acquiring additional motor vehicles, modern weapons and equipment for the service,” the President said.

But he expressed concern by the state of security as the country has been experiencing various crimes against persons and property.

“As you are already aware, our children have fallen victim to dealers of drugs and trading their lives for profit. The killings, abduction and missing of albinos remains a problem in our country. Our natural heritage is also under attack. The criminals are using methods of unprecedented sophistication and cruelty. I therefore wish to assure you all that my Government will continue to fight all forms of crime," he said.

The recruits have also been advised to be disciplined and guard against corruption which has seen some officer involved in criminal offences.

“Corruption is evil in that it undermines the integrity as well as security of this nation. I am saddened to read in newspapers that some police officers are linked to the crimes that are tormenting our society. As your Commander in Chief, I will not tolerate this behaviour. We are entrusted to protect our communities and it is totally unacceptable for us to be doing the opposite. The law will take its full force should such officers be caught,” he said.