Ministry of Homeland Security Expresses Concern Over Reckless Driving

Malawi: The Ministry of Homeland Security has expressed concern over the tendency of some drivers to drink and drive, as most hospitals are overwhelmed with the increased number of injuries caused by reckless behaviour on the road, writes Brenard Mwanza.

In response, the Minister of Homeland Security, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, has committed to curbing this malpractice and is currently working on a strategic plan to reduce accidents by 2028.

"If a person is injured on the road, it costs a lot of money, over three million kwacha, money that could be used to procure drugs for many patients," said Zikhale.

"So to avoid that and to make sure that we have adequate drugs in our hospitals, it is better to avoid deliberate incidences like these."

Zikhale also reminded the road traffic police to stop confiscating drivers' licenses, saying that there are no laws that permit such actions and that it is a disregard for human rights.

"Usually, when they get the driving license, that is a recipe for negotiations, and it is obvious that speedy money can also exchange hands since such licenses remain in the hands of the officers," he said.

"So we are saying don't keep licenses, and by doing that, we will prevent corruption.”

The head of the Road Traffic Police, Dorothy Kawale, confirmed that the minister had reminded the police of their duties and that they would sensitize all officers against the malpractice.

"The act only empowers us to seize the vehicle that has been used in the commission of an offence," she said.

"The public should be assured that from now on, traffic officers will stop confiscating driving licenses."

On Tuesday, the minister also met with heads of departments under his ministry, including the Police Inspector General, and expressed his dismay over the rise of corruption among police officers.

"All this is to paint a good picture of the law enforcement agencies, more especially the police, to gain back the public trust," said Ng'oma.

Recent reports have indicated that traffic police officers are among the most corrupt public officers.