For years, tracking criminals after incidents of theft and robbery within the boundaries of Kasungu Municipality, was a difficult task for law enforcement officers. Once suspects disappeared into crowded streets, tracing and arresting them often took considerable time and effort.
However, the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in strategic locations across Kasungu town is gradually improving the situation.
The surveillance project, which was launched in 2024 through a collaboration between Kasungu Police and its stakeholders, including members of the business community, is helping police monitor public spaces, gather evidence and improve crime investigations.
Officer-in-Charge for Kasungu Police, Alexander Moyo, says the cameras have already contributed to the arrest of several suspects in recent months.
“Economic development requires tight security, which is why we installed the cameras to complement our daily patrols so that we are able to arrest criminals terrorising people in various places,” Moyo says.
According to Moyo, before installation of the cameras, tracing perpetrators criminals was often challenging and time-consuming. Today, CCTV footage is making investigations easier by providing valuable evidence and helping officers identify suspects more quickly.
The development has been welcomed by the business community, which sees security as an important factor in creating a conducive environment for investment and commerce.
One of Kasungu’s prominent businesspeople, Abid Muhammad, commends the initiative, saying it contributes to a safer business environment.
“We expect the CCTV to help create a conducive environment for businesses to operate,” he says.
Security experts also believe modern surveillance systems are becoming increasingly important as criminals adopt more sophisticated methods.
Aubrey Kabisala, a security expert and lecturer at Mzuzu University, says embracing technology is essential for effective crime prevention.
“This is the right direction in crime prevention because criminals are also becoming advanced in their tricks,” he says.
According to him, CCTV helps keep records “that can later be useful in sensitive investigations.”
Despite the positive impact, the project faces challenges with Moyo acknowledging that financial constraints are limiting efforts to expand CCTV coverage to all parts of the municipality, while some cameras require maintenance and repairs.
Moyo appeals to development partners, the business community and corporate organisations to support the initiative through funding and technical support.
On his part, Councilor Hastings Nyirongo, Kasungu Municipality Mayor, says the council is still pursuing funding from the Roads Fund Administration (RFA) to continue the installation of streetlights along major roads after the project stalled during its first phase.
He notes that this is another way of strengthening security in the fast growing town.
As Kasungu continues to grow, stakeholders believe investments in CCTV surveillance and street lighting will play a crucial role in improving public safety. While challenges such as funding remain, the project is already demonstrating how technology can support law enforcement efforts and contribute to a safer environment for residents, businesses and visitors, alike.
By Davie Banda
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