34 Minibus Touts Arrested in Lilongwe for Harassment, Assault of Passengers and Motorists

Malawi: Lilongwe Police Station and the 'C' Division of the Police Mobile Service on Thursday morning, January 5, 2023, conducted a raid on Chigwirizano, Chinsapo, and Labour bus stages, where they arrested 34 minibus touts, also known as "call-boys", writes Rose Milanzie.

Hastings Chigalu, the Lilongwe Police PRO, stated in an interview that the police have received numerous complaints from passengers and private vehicle motorists about harassment, assault, and other violent actions perpetrated by the touts.

Chigalu explained that these touts have been demanding money from motorists, even when they claim to be dropping off or picking up family members and friends, not for business purposes.

Some passengers and motorists have been seriously wounded, cars deflated, and property damaged by these touts, who consider the bus stages to be their "goldmines."

Chigalu added that the police and its partners will continue to enforce the law in all similar places in the city until there is a return to order for the benefit of all travellers.

The 34 suspects will appear in court soon to face applicable charges.

The police encourage people to report any abuses suffered at the hands of touts so that the law can take its course.