Malawians on social media have heavily criticized the Malawi Police Service (MPS) for what they call lower recruitment standards after pictures of young police recruits popped on social media platforms.

In January, the Malawi Police released names of successful candidates to undergo six months intensive training which upon completion they will be police officers.

Two months down the line, the police recruits have been sent to different police stations for practicals for at least two months before going back to their respectives Police Training Schools across the country.

As the service is celebrating that soon it will boost its strength in numbers of officers, mixed reactions have been voiced out from people saying most of the police recruits are young who might not reach the required police qualifications.

Images of some recruits who have been undergoing training, who look too short and not meeting its minimum height requirement of 1.6 meters.

“We are joking a lot Ku malawi. Basi azikulira mma uniform momwemo,” said one Blessings Kaffa.

Andy Nthara “They look too young and immature. Through this conduct it will be hard to restore the Police rotten reputation. Recruit people that are matured, mentally, physically, etc osati zina tikuona muzithunzimu.”

Joseph Nyirongo added; “Much as I do not cover up the MPS recruitment flaws, I wish the condemnation extends to MDF. Their recruits look to have beaten their own standards too.”

However, Sarah Bint Donald had a whole different opinion; “The limit of 1.6 metres is already discriminatory against short people who did not ask to be short. The rule is very unfair and it has to be changed. What if those short people can execute their duties perfectly? Why shouldn’t they be given the chance?”

When asked National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said that the institution followed all procedures in carrying out the recruitment.

But activist Michael Kaiyatsa has asked police to give a proper explanation on the matter.