Rising criminal cases, including murder, defilement and breaking offences, continue to haunt Mzuzu City, prompting police to call for stronger collaboration with communities and other stakeholders in the fight against crime.

According to figures presented during a Station Executive Committee (SEC) held on Tuesday, criminal cases recorded by Mzuzu Police increased by 9.7 percent in the first six months of 2026, rising from 711 cases during the same period last year to 780 this year.

Among the cases that registered significant increases were murder, which doubled from five cases in the first half of 2025 to 10 this year, while cases of having sexual intercourse with a minor increased from 32 to 42. Breaking offences also rose from 125 cases to 140.

While criminal cases increased, road traffic accidents declined during the period under review, dropping from 62 cases in the first six months of 2025 to 43 cases during the same period this year.

Robbery cases also recorded a notable decrease, falling from 70 cases last year to 32 this year.

Speaking during the meeting, Station Officer for Mzuzu Police Station Israel Kwalira, called for continued cooperation between the police and community members to help address the rising crime rate.

Kwalira said the police appreciates the role communities play in promoting security in the city and pledged to implement proactive strategies aimed at reducing crime.

He said the police would also strengthen working relationships with various stakeholders to enhance crime prevention and improve security in the city.

Meanwhile, SEC Vice Chairperson Angela White said the committee would work closely with local leaders and other stakeholders to address crime.

White also pledged that the committee would follow up and address some of the challenges raised during the meeting.