Police arrest over 16,000 drivers, ban 14 licenses as accident kills six

TANZANIA: THE Police have once again issued a stern warning to reckless drivers across the country, saying that their failure to comply with traffic rules and regulations could result in a ban from driving and license suspension.

The stern warning comes in response to a series of road accidents across various regions, which have led to loss of life, injuries and significant damage to infrastructure, particularly during this endof-year season.

On Friday evening, the Commander of the Traffic Police Unit, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) William Mkonda said that the police will not hesitate to take strict action, including banning drivers from the roads and pursuing legal cases against those found in violation of traffic laws.

ALSO READ: IGP Wambura reshuffles Traffic Police

He revealed that within just two days, 14 drivers’ licenses had been suspended for offences such as driving under the influence and speeding, while 16,324 drivers were arrested for various traffic violations and fined.

SACP Mkonda stated that recklessness, negligence, unsafe overtaking and a lack of consideration for other road users are among the major contributing factors to road accidents.

“We will ban all drivers who violate traffic rules from driving. We will not tolerate such dangerous behavior,” said SACP Mkonda.

He added, “We have been witnessing a series of road accidents during this end-of-year period, many of which are caused by negligence and failure to adhere to traffic rules and regulations. We are determined to take strong action against such drivers.”

He said his office has issued directives to all Regional and District traffic officers, as well as all traffic police, to continue carrying out rigorous operations both day and night without showing leniency to any driver who commits dangerous traffic offences.

He added: “My directives is that those drivers who engage in hazardous behaviour on road must be detained and charged.”

He said police will also have their driving license suspended and banned from driving in the Tanzanian soil.

“Driving is a profession like any other. Any driver who treats it with disregard should be prepared to seek alternative employment, as we will have no sympathy for such individuals. They will be removed from the roads in accordance with the law,” he stated.

He urged all drivers to either adhere to traffic laws or consider finding other jobs.

He added that the Police Force, through the Traffic Unit, will continue to educate the public and all road users to improve their understanding of road safety. He also encouraged passengers to speak up and report drivers who violate traffic laws, helping to ensure safer roads for everyone.

Meanwhile, six people died yesterday after the vehicle (Toyota Prado) they were travelling in with registration number T647 CVR, from Lumalu Village in Upolo Ward to Kilosa in Nyasa District plunged down a slope in Chunya, Mbinga District, in Ruvuma Region.

Mbinga District Administrative Secretary, Salumu Ismail told reporters that the accident occurred at around 8am killing all six people on the spot.

He said those killed in the accident include four teachers from Lumaru Primary School, a pharmacist and a driver. He said the deceased were heading to Limbo Secondary school in Nyasa District on official duties. He said the vehicle rolled over and caught fire.