Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-15 08:20:40
Motorcycle taxis, also known as kabaza, have been under scrutiny for various negative reasons, one of them being the contribution to the increasing death toll from road accidents in the country. Statistics from the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) and Malawi Police Service show that between 2014 and 2022, the rate of road accidents has surged by a staggering 1,700 percent. However, kabaza operators themselves are becoming targets of criminals posing as customers.
Molezi Lemison, a 27-year-old kabaza operator in Dowa District, narrowly escaped a potential attack. On February 14th of this year, he was approached by a ‘customer’ requesting a ride to Chimwaza Trading Centre. The two stopped at a drinking joint before proceeding to the passenger’s supposed destination. To Lemison’s surprise, the passenger took his motorcycle, valued at K1.1 million, under the guise of visiting his sister. Upon realizing the deception, Lemison reported the incident to the authorities.
In a similar incident in Dowa District, Limbani Samuel fell victim to unknown passengers who hired him on January 1st, 2024. They initially requested to be taken to Dowa Boma but later turned violent, attacking Samuel and stealing his motorcycle worth K1.2 million. Samuel reported the theft to the police, leading to the arrest of a suspect who was found trying to sell the stolen motorcycle at Mvera Market. While the suspect managed to escape, Samuel positively identified his motorcycle.
Recently, communities in Bua, Likasi, Nathyola, Nkhwazi, and Misale villages in Mchinji District have raised concerns about attacks on kabaza operators. Businessman Charles Mwanza was allegedly killed in one such attack, with his motorcycle yet to be recovered. Traditional Authorities in the area are planning to collaborate with security agents to address the issue and ensure the safety of kabaza operators.
The problem of attacks on kabaza operators extends beyond Dowa and Mchinji, affecting the entire nation. In Zomba City, law enforcement is vigilant in combating such attacks. Rose Chiwaya, the Zomba Police Station Victim Support Unit Coordinator, highlighted the worrisome increase in attacks on kabaza operators in the district. She emphasized the importance of operators avoiding working during odd hours to reduce the risk of attacks.
DRTSS Assistant Traffic Officer Lloyd Banda emphasized the importance of kabaza operators obtaining driver’s licenses to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Moses Mwalabu, the Chairperson of Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholders Association (Macokasa), pledged continued engagement with kabaza operators to encourage motorcycle registration and adherence to safety protocols.
In conclusion, the safety and well-being of kabaza operators are at risk due to criminal activities targeting them across Malawi. Collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, and stakeholders in the transportation sector is essential to address these challenges and ensure the protection of kabaza operators. Operators are urged to prioritize safety measures and comply with regulations to mitigate risks and prevent further incidents of attacks.
Read the original article on The Times
