Police in Dowa have emphasised the importance of collaboration to improve safety of motorcycle taxi (kabaza) operators at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in the district.
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with community policing forums and kabaza operators, Dowa Police Station traffic officer Mathambeka Golozera expressed concern with accidents involving kabaza operators.
He said: “While the police cannot be present in all parts of the camp, community policing groups should act as police’s representatives.
“I urged operators to respect and cooperate with them.”
Golozera reminded kabaza operators of the need for safer operations in Dzaleka Camp.
“Riding a motorcycle without a licence, insurance or registration is an offence,” he said.
On his part, Inua Advocacy legal officer Madalitso Kausi said his organisation’s mandate is to protect the rights of refugees.
He said: “I advise kabaza operators to comply with traffic rules to avoid confiscation of their motorbikes because adherence to the law encourages police leniency in certain cases.
“Loss of motorbikes due to legal breaches affects families who depend on them for survival.”
Dzaleka Kabaza Operators chairperson Romain Bijangala called on the police to conduct monthly evaluations of kabaza operations, noting that as refugees, many riders are unfamiliar with the country’s traffic laws.
He requested continued training and engagement to reduce violations and accidents.
“However, there is biased accident reporting where accidents caused by local riders in the camp are often blamed on refugees,” said Bijangala.
The meeting discussed how to enhance security measures to fight crimes such as theft at the camp
