Police uncover illegal passenger transportation in ambulances
MOROGORO: MOROGORO Regional Police have arrested drivers of five ambulances found transporting passengers from Dar es Salaam to Mtukula in Kagera Region, instead of carrying only patients as indicated by the sirens meant to give them priority on the road.
Morogoro Regional Police Commander (RPC) Alex Mkama confirmed the arrest to journalists recently, saying it was part of the ongoing measures the police are taking to ensure road safety, particularly during the busy end-of-year travel period. “
The operation aimed to prevent accidents during this peak season, which began on December 1. It led to the arrest of five drivers transporting passengers illegally in ambulances,” RPC Mkama said.
The arrested drivers include George Mung’ongo (29), a resident of Arusha, driving ambulance with registration number T933 EPL (Toyota Land Cruiser, D/L 4004926724) with eight passengers, Paul Zacharia (37), a resident of Dar es Salaam, driving ambulance with registration number T927 EPL (Toyota Land Cruiser, D/L 4001696044) with nine passengers.
Others are Victor Baroho (30), a resident of Dar es Salaam, driving ambulance with registration number T943 EPL (Toyota Land Cruiser, D/L 4006405108) with nine passengers and Godliving Sawe (37), a resident of Dar es Salaam, driving ambulance with registration number UA 055 BP (Toyota Hiace, D/L 4000229499) with 12 passengers.
The list also has John Masae (26), a resident of Mbezi, Dar es Salaam, driving ambulance with registration number T988 EPL (Toyota Land Cruiser) with five passengers. In a related case, the police also arrested Omary Mbaga (34), a Dar es Salaam resident, who was wanted for reckless driving that caused the deaths of three passengers.
Commander Mkama said the fatal accident occurred on November 23rd this year in Iyovi, Mikumi ward, Kilosa District, when a bus, make Yutong with registration number T206 ENQ, owned by ABC Company, veered off the road while overtaking other vehicles on a sharp bend.
“The driver initially fled the scene but was arrested on December 3rd, this year and will face legal action,” RPC Mkama said.
