Police comply on driving licences
Malawi Police Service says it has ceased confiscating documents such as driving licences for unrelated offences in accordance with the country’s Road Traffic Act (RTA).
In a press statement released yesterday, National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said they have noted that its traffic officers were confiscating such documents allegedly to make errant motorists comply with other unrelated provisions in the statutes, an act he said has been encouraging corruption.
The RTA only allows traffic officers to confiscate documents such as driving licences where such documents are to be used as evidence for offences in contravention of its provisions.
Kalaya said: “Going forward, traffic police officers will only be confiscating such documents as prescribed by the Act. The service implores on motorists to desist from asking shortcuts from its officers which fuels corruption.”
of the country’s roads
He further called upon motorists in the country to cooperate with its traffic officers as they strive to make Malawi’s roads safe for all road users.
“Traffic police officers will continue to enforce every provision in the Act such as ensuring that errant motorists pay spot fines and impounding vehicles that the Act prescribes,” Kalaya said.
The statement follows concerns by Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma who a fortnight ago condemned traffic police officers for confiscating driving licences during traffic checks.
Addressing heads of police, Immigration, Prison and refugees department at the National Police Headquarters in Area 30, Lilongwe after his appointment as minister early this month, he challenged traffic officers that confiscating driving licences from motorists is against the law.
