Popular officer felt unwell after trip to African country to help local forces
A COP who went to Malawi to help train officers to deal with rape and child crime is fighting for his life after contracting suspected malaria.
Sergeant Jim Thomson, based in Dundee, felt unwell after returning from the African country, where malaria is a high risk.
He is understood to have been detained at Ninewells Hospital in the city, but bosses were unable to give an update on his condition.
Jim was among a team drafted in to provide specialist training as police struggle to cope with a surge in violent crimes.
A police source said he was very highly thought of and colleagues were hoping he will be given the all clear.
The source added: “Jim came home with a fever and the symptoms were similar to malaria.
“Given he was coming back from a high-risk area, he was advised to report to hospital and he was admitted. Tests have been done and he is waiting to hear if it was malaria.”
Police Scotland are committing up to 10 officers annually over the next three years to Malawi. The officers will mentor Malawian police in 10 of the areas worst hit by floods and food insecurity.
The food shortage is thought to be increasing the vulnerability of women and children, as men demand sex in return for food, shelter or other vital supplies.
The Scottish Government are paying £660,000 for the three-year project to 2019 as part of their long-term response to the crisis.
The force’s International Development Unit have provided assistance and police training since 1993.
The Scottish Government said their International Development fund would increase from £9million a year to £10million from 2017.
Malaria, which is spread by mosquitoes, can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
A single mosquito bite is all it takes to become infected.
Symptoms include a fever, sweats and chills, headaches, vomiting, muscle pains and diarrhoea.
Police said no-one was available to comment on the situation.