MP Matumula: Why so many ‘fat cops’ in Malawi
Frontline policemen must be fit enough to do their job properly but Member of Parliament for Mangochi South Yusuf Matumula on Thursday complained that many cops are overweight and obese.
“Mr. Speaker, Sir isn’t there any policy to regulate physical fitness in the police,” wondered Matumula.
He was speaking when he rose to give a supplementary question in the House, which the Speaker of the House, Henry Chimunthu Banda dismissed as out of order.
Matumula later told Nyasa Times that he only wanted to persuade the cops on “eating right” that can help them do a better job and “could even save their lives.”
Inspector General of Police Peter Mukhitho has however conceded that the Malawi Police Service has obese officers as they have been affected with non communicable nutrition-related diseases like overweight and high blood pressure.
“Such malnutrition related disorders have long term adverse effects on the intellectual and physical ability of the police officers,” Mukhito is quoted saying on Wednesday in Lilongwe when Rab Processors donated food supplements worth K2 million to the Malawi Police Service.
“Over weight and blood pressure problems have not spared our men. I am therefore appreciative to Rab Processors for the donation,” said Mukhito.
The Police chief said the service is trying to instil good eating habits
Chairperson of Rab Processors Company, Gaffar Jakhura said they donated to Police after appreciation of the “tough job police officers are called to do.”
