TRAFFIC POLICE IRK BUS OPERATOR
TRAFFIC police should stop chasing offenders, especially bus drivers, says a concerned bus operator, Howard Lutoba. In an apparent reference to recent concerns by Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo over an alleged illegal road block mounted by traffic police on Lusaka’s Mungwi road, Mr Lutoba said the role of traffic police was to caution, advise and educate motorists on issues regarding road traffic. “As a transporter I’m shocked to find over 13 road blocks in the Southern route, 16 in Mumbwa and quite a number on other routes. Police should interact with motorists on the rules of the road unlike the trend of chasing them which in most cases causes accidents. This is like a Tom and Jerry affair especially regarding bus drivers,” complained Mr Lutoba. Mr Lutoba added: “That’s why there is a data base at the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), so there is no reason why traffic police should race with bus drivers”. Recently four traffic Police officers in Lusaka were busted while mounting an illegal roadblock along Mungwi road where they reportedly collected over K2, 200 from motorists illegally. The police officers who had mounted an illegal road block where busted by Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo as he conducted his tours. The officers were caught unawares as they mounted a road block usuing an unregistered vehicle. And the Lusaka province minister who was visibly disappointed by the conduct of the officers vowed to get rid of the bad eggs among civil servants in the province.