Police step up security for Easter

Malawi Police Service (MPS) has stepped up measures to reduce traffic accidents and ensure that Malawians enjoy a crime-free Easter vacation starting from today to March 29 2016.

National Police deputy spokesperson Thomeck Nyaude, speaking in an interview yesterday, said the police, in order to reduce accidents during the period, have mounted up and will continue to mount ad-hoc roadblocks to make sure that drunk drivers are brought to book.

He said the roadblocks are mainly targeting drunk drivers as the police believe that most accidents that happen on the roads of Malawi are due to drunk driving and can be prevented.

He also said police have also enhanced security in public places such as lodges and holiday resorts where people are most likely to be spending their time during the Easter.

Last year, the media reported an increase in the number of accidents that happened during Easter as compared to those that happened the same period in 2014.

Figures released by the police indicated that the 2015 Easter holiday saw an increase in road accidents from 30 in 2014 to 63.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) has also reminded the general public some road safety tips for them to make it through the period.

The tips include: “always make sure that the vehicle you intend to travel in is road worthy; travel within the recommended speed limit; always, all times, follow traffic rules and regulations; do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances that might limit your ability to concentrate; do not use your mobile phone whilst driving.” n