The impunity of motorcyclists on our roads is getting out of hand. Even when they blatantly disregard road regulations, they have the nerve to dress down other road users, especially motorists who they find themselves in collisions with from time to time.
Experience has shown that motorcyclists are backed by most law enforcers in case of accidents. Of course, any police suggestion after an accident makes many flee a scene. But in the event that a law abiding citizen still decides to report to police after hitting or getting hit by a motorcyclist that flees, some officer decode to ‘punish’ the motorist even when evidence is clear about who is in the wrong.
One officer recently demanded a motorist to pay a certain amount of money and surrender his license after he reported to police that he hit a kabaza who fell, broke a tooth, but decided reporting to the police was not his thing. He lacked every requirement to be on the road and going there would have been a lamb to the slaughter for him. He was going to be arrested and have his motorbike confiscated. He realised his mistake and simply asked to go and collect the money. He too fled.
There was a case of a motorist who was asked to fund repairs charged for a damaged motorbike even where the accident was triggered by the evident kabaza’s recklessness. They seem to acknowledge police backing and wage silent wars to punish those licensed to drive and with full insurance covers as opposed to the lawbreakers.
I challenge the police to defend themselves if they are not party to the lawlessness that has taken root on our roads. Can they explain why they stop a motorist and find a myriad of ‘problems’ even when there seems to be none while kabazas are left scot-free while overtaking on the left, carrying multiple passengers and without helmets. What about the lack of licenses to ascertain kabaza operators’ eligibility to use our roads? And insurance covers motorists are penalised for if lacking, a crucial element in accidents, why are they exempted from such requirements, but are backed by the very law meant to enforce it?
It’s no wonder kabaza operators are growing wings. They know exactly what is happening and why it is that way. And also, has anyone noticed the mob that gathers to offer counsel, often in the favour of the kabaza, for the motorists to forgive, pay him off or simply overlook the ‘minor’ dent on a car as ‘these things happen’ It’s funny how motorist are asked to pay while they should simply forgive when it’s up to them to be compensated. It’s nonsensical.
Give Malawians their overdue justice from kabaza menacing. Bring back the sanity on our roads. Can the law apply equitably and we should al pretend kabazas don’t exit.
