Samia directs Police officers to develop strategies to curb road carnage
DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed newly trained Police Officers and Assistant Inspectors to prioritize road safety and develop new strategies aimed at reducing the alarming rate of traffic accidents across the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for batch one of the 2024/25 Police Officers and Assistant Inspectors at the Police Academy in Dar es Salaam, President Samia expressed concern over the continued rise in road fatalities, despite the government’s ongoing interventions.
“This issue continues to haunt us. Road accidents are claiming far too many lives,” said President Samia.
She added: “I strongly urge those who will be deployed in this area to give it serious attention and have strong strategies to reduce road accidents. If it’s our roads, let’s fix them. If it’s about installing road equipment, let’s do it. If it’s driver negligence, let’s train them and put in place conditions to ensure drivers are careful,” she said
She cited recent statistics showing 1,322 traffic incidents and 1,275 deaths reported in the past four months, an increase of 9 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
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In addition to road safety, President Samia urged the officers to proactively prevent any signs of unrest, emphasizing the need to act before peace is disrupted.
She also issued a stern warning against corruption within the police force, particularly involving traffic officers.
“Be part of the fight against bribery and corruption. These remain serious issues in our force,” she said.
“I regularly receive video clips of officers soliciting bribes. When I forward them to the IGP, action is taken immediately. I expect you to put a stop to this.”
Minister for Home Affairs Innocent Bashungwa assured the President that the ministry and its institutions remain committed to maintaining national peace, safety, and the protection of public and private property.
“We promise you, Madam President, that under my leadership, this team will remain dedicated to safeguarding citizens and upholding the nation’s core values, including peace and stability,” he said.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura also pledged the force’s full readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly General Election in October 2025, warning that no disruption will be tolerated during the electoral period.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dr. Lazaro Benedict Mambosasa, Commandant of the Police Academy, reported that the graduating officers were selected based on academic qualifications, experience, and performance.
The graduates include 119 with master’s degrees, 524 with bachelor’s degrees, and others with diplomas, certificates, and various levels of secondary education.
Among the Assistant Inspectors, 16 hold bachelor’s degrees, 77 diplomas, and the rest possess lower-level academic qualifications.
