The second week of 2025 was tragic for Godfrey Thindwa of Chiputula Township in Mzuzu.
Two weeks into the year, a motorbike he hitched on a shopping spree crashed into a drain at a slanted roundabout near Mzuzu Courthouse. The accident left Thindwa, 35, with a bruised left hand and swollen eye.
He recalls being treated as an outpatient at a private clinic in the evergreen city.
“The motorcyclist was speeding, ignoring road regulations and traffic lights. I pleaded with him to slow down and mind road signs, but kabaza guys are always in a hurry. Many don’t care about road safety,’’ Thindwa narrates.
He failed to attend a job interview a day after the accident.
The influx of motorbike taxis, popularly known as kabaza, has increased road accidents in the country, stretching the country’s overburdened healthcare system.
Authorities blame it on self-made motorcyclists who take to the roads without formal training, crash helmets and regard for traffic regulations.
Ironically, the predominantly unregistered and uninsured motorcycles are seen crossing traffic police checkpoints without protective wear and carrying at least one passenger.
According to the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS), the country registered 4 247 traffic accidents last year.
“A motorcycle is supposed to carry one passenger, but some carry two, three or more. They speed recklessly, making roads unsafe for all. Their motorcycles are neither insured nor certified fit for the roads,” bemoans Mzimba resident Mercy Banda.
Regional road traffic officer (North) Maurice Mabvumbe says road accidents have surged due to unregulated motorcycle taxis.
“Since January, three riders have died at Jenda Trading Centre in Mzimba due to violations of road regulations,’’ he says.
Meanwhile, the DRTSS has rolled out catch-up training for motorcycle operators to avert road accidents.
A recent outreach at Jenda attracted over 300 riders.
‘‘We don’t want to lose people. We want to save lives. Most kabaza accidents could be prevented if the riders observed safety measures, traffic regulations, road signs and markings,” says Mabvumbe.
He urges the riders to mind their life and customers’ safety.
“Life is precious, so don’t risk it. Wear helmets, reflectors and also protective equipment,” he tells the riders.
The DRTSS urges the riders to register their motorcycles, learn safety rules and get driver’s licences.
The riding lessons acquaint kabaza operators with safety measures while registering a motorbike make it easy to trace it when stolen,” Mabvumbe adds.
Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe has set aside a special ward for fractured survivors of motorcycle-related accidents. Similarly inundated are Mzuzu and Queen Elizabeth central hospitals and referral facilities in all districts.
Mzimba District Hospital administrator Louis Moyo commended road traffic authorities for the outreach meant to save lives.
“The accidents claim lives, leaving children orphaned, spouses widowed and survivors with injuries, trauma and disabilities that reduce their ability to work and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he says.
According to Moyo, most survivors of motorcycle accidents present with severe fractures as well as spine and brain complications.
“The casualties spend a long time in hospital, draining resources for other essential medical services such as buying drugs and other medical equipment,” he says.
Kandise Nkhoma, a kabaza rider from Kadaleka Village, Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku in Mzimba, says the lessons changed his perception and riding skills.
“When we see traffic police and road safety officers, we flee, fearing that they will find us. However, now I know that they have good intentions. They protect us.”
