Police in Mwanza arrest bus driver for reckless driving, uttering abusive language

MWANZA: POLICE here have arrested the driver of the Obadia Company bus, Mr Sabatho Malima Emmanuel, aged 32, on charges of driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner while using a mobile phone and using abusive language towards passengers who stopped him.

Speaking today at his office, Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mr Wilbroad Mutafungwa, said the driver was arrested on September 5, 2026, at 6:40 pm in Magu District at Mwanza region, while driving a bus with registration number T 870 DVW, a Yutong type, which was traveling from Nyamongo in Mara Region to Mwanza.

According to Commander Mutafungwa, the driver started using his phone and chatting while in the Lamadi area of Simiyu region, a situation that continued until he was arrested in Isangijo.

“Some passengers sitting in nearby seats warned the driver and asked him to stop using his phone while driving, stating that the act endangered their lives as well as other road users.” He said

He added the driver allegedly responded to the passengers with foul and offensive language, which prompted the Police Force to take immediate action and arrest him.

Commander Mutafungwa said the driver is still being held for questioning and other legal action, while his driver’s license has been suspended for a period of six months starting September 6, 2026.