By Burnett Munthali
With the festive season fast approaching, the Mangochi Police are intensifying their efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for both residents and visitors. The police are focusing on road safety, crime prevention, and curbing malpractices that are common during the holiday period. This comes as a proactive response to the increased movement of people and goods during the season, which often leads to more accidents and criminal activities.
In an interview with Nation Online, Mangochi Police spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi assured the public that security and road safety efforts are being bolstered across the district. She revealed that traffic police officers are conducting round-the-clock traffic checks to ensure that traffic laws are strictly followed. This includes monitoring speed limits, ensuring that vehicles are in good condition, and checking for other violations that could lead to accidents.
“We are ensuring that traffic laws are followed to the letter,” Daudi stated, emphasizing the importance of these measures in preventing accidents that often spike during the festive season.
Additionally, breathalysers are being used at various checkpoints to ensure that drivers are not operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol. This is a critical measure as alcohol consumption tends to rise during the holiday period, and impaired driving is a leading cause of road accidents.
To reach a wider audience and raise awareness about road safety, the police are utilizing community radio stations to broadcast safety tips. These broadcasts are designed to educate both motorists and pedestrians about the importance of following road safety rules, especially during this busy time of year.
Daudi also highlighted the police’s engagement with motorcycle and kabaza (bicycle taxi) operators, who are often involved in accidents. Traffic officers are providing these operators with essential road safety information to help reduce the risk of road carnage. This targeted engagement is crucial as it focuses on one of the most vulnerable groups on the road.
Beyond road safety, the police are also stepping up efforts to prevent theft and other criminal activities that typically surge during the festive season. Daudi mentioned that both day and night patrols are being intensified, often in collaboration with community policing forums. These patrols are aimed at deterring criminal activities, ensuring that no illegal activities occur in the district during this time.
In addition to regular patrols, the police are conducting intelligence-driven operations, border patrols, and setting up snap roadblocks. These measures are designed to curb theft, smuggling, and other criminal activities that may take advantage of the season.
As part of their crime prevention strategy, Mangochi Police will also be engaging with the local hospitality sector. Starting tomorrow, the police, through the Community Policing Branch, will hold interface meetings with hotel and lodge owners. The goal of these meetings is to encourage hospitality businesses to keep proper records of their guests, which will help prevent criminals from posing as clients and using the festive season as cover for their activities.
“We want to ensure that criminals don’t take advantage of the busy season by posing as legitimate guests. By working with hotel and lodge owners, we can make sure that proper records are kept,” Daudi explained.
With the festive season bringing an influx of visitors and increased travel across the district, the Mangochi Police have made it clear that they are committed to maintaining safety on the roads and in the community. By combining strict road safety measures, public awareness campaigns, enhanced patrols, and collaboration with local businesses, the police are working to prevent accidents, curb crime, and ensure a peaceful holiday season for everyone.
As we approach the holiday season, it is essential for everyone to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety measures put in place, ensuring a safe and enjoyable festive period for all.
