|
New IGP has task to restore police credibility
2006-03-03 09:28:24
By Deogratias Mushi
A fresh gust of wind has blown upon Tanzania police force, leaving the people with a hopeful sigh that the controversial department has been accordingly improved and rejuvenated.
The change came after President Jakaya Kikwete appointed the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Saidi Ally Mwema on Wednesday to replace Omari Iddi Mahita, who officially retires tomorrow. Some top police officials have also been reshuffled.
When Mwema’s appointment was announced, scores of people were thrilled with the change, making them rejoice in their homes, bars, offices, and even on commuter buses.
Clearly, their jubilation meant that they now want somebody who will remove rot and filth in the police force that to most has lost credibility and reputation.
What prompts the people’s approval of the appointment of the new IGP are the mysterious circumstances under which some police officers killed four civilians in January this year allegedly for being thieves.
An investigation carried later by Judge Kipenka Mussa’s Commission unveiled that the diceased were ordinary gemstone dealers immediately turning the matter a court case.
Relatives praised President Jakaya Kikwete for his prompt action on the report of the commission, a task force he had set up to investigate the shooting in Dar es Salaam and ordering the police’s arrest.
Mwema is taking over from Mahita, an organ which in a way irks the entire public due to its deeds associated with corruption. For example, the Minister of Public Safety and Security Bakari Mwapachu was recently quoted saying that some top police officials, including Regional Police Commanders (RPSs) are sometimes implicated in crimes.
The new IGP, who until recently was Assistant Commissioner of Police ( ACP) in charge of the Interpol Sub-Regional Bureau in Nairobi brings an experience which might in way help the police force fulfil its responsibilities and tasks in a rightful manner.
Since Mwema cannot work alone, wananchi are now keen, waiting to see who will be appointed new RPCs with reputable backgrounds, in order to assist President Kikwete’s fourth phase government that has vowed to fight against crime.
Assuming that Mwema and the new RPCs ( to be appointed soon) will be exemplary leaders, there are couple of challenges that the new police administration should take into consideration if it is to win people’s credibility.
First, discipline in the police force should be restored.
Any police officer who misbehaves, then disciplinary action should be taken against him or her.
For instance, if a police officer vacates his place of work without any valid reason as it happened in Kinondoni district early last month, then such people should be dealt with accordingly.
If the police force should move with Kikwete’s slogan of kasi mpya nguvu mpya na ari mpya, then discipline should be rightly be observed right from the top to the low-ranking police officers.
Secondly, police officers should refrain from corruption.
It is no secret that some police officers freely ask bribe from wananchi without shame. IGP Mwema should now set his agenda well. so that his officers may shun corruption.
Thirdly, Mwema should make sure that the police force protects people and their property, and should be able to deal with all kinds of emergencies when they erupt.
The police should help the entire public keep order, allow freedom of speech and peaceful demonstrations. Favouritism should be avoided as much as possible.
Fourthly, the police force should investigate crimes alongside Criminal Investigation Departments (CID) and others.
Another task of the police that the new IGP should emphasize is to gather and prepare information aimed at prosecuting offenders in court.
The police should also help the victims of crime by putting them in touch with victim support services.
Fifthly, Mwema should see to it that police manage traffic and make sure people are safe on the roads, and also patrol the streets to make people feel safe.
As he retires from IGP post, Omari Mahita has said something very interesting.
He says that he won’t become a politician, but rather he hopes to venture into farming and livestock keeping.
Taking into consideration his recent utterances in relationship to the opposition Civic United Front (CUF), some people might have speculated Mahita’s interest in politics.
He has gone further by promising to go back to his mother country (Morogoro region) unlike other government/civil servants who prefer remaining in the city, even after their retirement.
Mahita has done one positive thing before quitting. He has counselled the entire police force to work hand in hand with the new IGP.
Mahita leaves behind a wrecked police force, which should be strengthened by his successor, if the entire police force will be willing to accord him (Mwema) all the necessary assistance.
|
